First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This friendly agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is competitively driven and thrives on top-level contests, something he lacked at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing injury might end his career and to secure a retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contractual season isn’t surprising though questions remain — was he bought out or did he repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he still own the LIV team Smash GC, which has recently named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rampant about which fairways Koepka will appear on next — DP World Tour, where he’d be eligible immediately, perhaps with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he’d serve a one-year ban post his last LIV appearance, as lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Returning LIV players, especially stars like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour, currently holding the upper hand. This crucial question now seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, terminated after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.