First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He originally moved to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding potential buyouts and his ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play next. Will he join the DP World Tour, where he would probably have immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty? Or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after the lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one like Koepka, benefits the stronger Tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not extended after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player ranks.