First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who gets highly motivated and fired up only during top-level competition, something LIV did not fully provide. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns fearing the end of his career and wanting a solid retirement payout. Hence, skipping the last contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or paying back guarantees. Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation is rampant about where Koepka will appear next — DP World Tour where he is likely immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, which has been significantly softened from a lifetime ban by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why seek revenge when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, suits the more powerful PGA Tour perfectly? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka submitted a formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after it was not renewed post-2022 and to rejoin the player ranks.