First start already at the 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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 was amicably agreed upon, according to an official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, was less motivated playing LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career and to secure retirement funds. His choice to skip the last contractual season raises questions: Did he pay a buyout or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation continues about which fairways Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, he would be eligible immediately—perhaps with a penalty fee? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension for last playing LIV, although previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were eased. Why be vindictive when the PGA Tour benefits from the return of prominent LIV players? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday after leaving it unused since 2022.