First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This friendly agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeill. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and was only lightly motivated by LIV. He switched to LIV mainly in 2022 fearing an early career end due to injuries and to secure solid retirement funds. His opting out of the last contractual playing year is therefore not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary and if he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as new captain.
The major speculation centers on which tours Koepka will compete in next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights, likely for a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after life bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. It seems the PGA Tour is ready to welcome prominent LIV returnees, fitting well with the stronger-established tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022.