First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he experienced only sporadically at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career’s end and the appeal of a solid retirement fund. Given this, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay. He also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation revolves around where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—perhaps with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, after prior lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were greatly reduced. It makes sense not to be vindictive, especially since any returning LIV player benefits the established tours. This dilemma appears partly resolved, as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022, seeking to rejoin the playing field.