First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another shot, Charley Hull soon to join YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season, which starts February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing injury might end his career prematurely and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed pay. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour could grant immediate playing eligibility, possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance applies, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifelong bans significantly. Why be vindictive when each returning LIV player strengthens the PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, aiming to rejoin.