First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level competitions, something he lacked somewhat in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injuries, viewing it as an opportunity to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations rise on where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, probably after paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after original lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were heavily softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the stronger PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered. According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.