First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level sporting contests and gets fired up, something he seldom experienced on LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career ending and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Given this context, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or returned guarantees. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with penalties. On the PGA Tour, he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, although lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly reduced. The question of why be vindictive when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand, seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership dated post-2022.