First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another go, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and wanting to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding any buyout or guaranteed fee repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation arises on which tour Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, a ban softened from an initial lifetime suspension handed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be spiteful when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one like Koepka, benefits the longer-established tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated to the player roster after it expired post-2022.