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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, speculation surrounds Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, and his limited motivation during LIV events. In 2022, Koepka joined LIV primarily due to injury doubts about the continuation of his career and the opportunity to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contracted season raises questions regarding any buyout or salary repayments and whether he remains an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the easing of the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. This raises important questions about the strategy of the PGA Tour, which benefits from the return of prominent LIV players. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player roster.