First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on course, Charley Hull heading to YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a mutual agreement, says LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he didn’t fully find at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns that threatened his career’s end and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial settlements. Is he still owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about which tour Koepka will now join. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility—likely with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, following the easing of lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why keep grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the established tour? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his 2022-expired PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.