First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on top-level sporting battles, was less motivated in LIV. He joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 partly due to injuries threatening his career’s end and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season was not surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed fee? Does he remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which already named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would likely admit him immediately, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour, however, imposed a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, though the previous life bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have since been substantially eased. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee ends up benefiting the more dominant Tour? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, aiming to rejoin the playing field.