First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, and Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, was less motivated at LIV events. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns near the end of his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Hence, his decision to skip the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the stronger tour? This question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after its expiration in 2022.