First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he only somewhat found in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injury concerns about ending his career early and securing a good retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions linger: Did he have to buy out of his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing eligibility — perhaps with a penalty payment? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan lifted lifetime bans significantly? There’s little reason for vindictiveness when every LIV returnee benefits the established tour. This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which expired after 2022, to rejoin the playing field.