First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking in LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career, he was seeking a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation abounds on which tour Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly with penalties, while the PGA Tour would impose a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, albeit much softened from the original lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? This key question is partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, seeking readmission to the players’ circle.