First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh plans a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for his competitive drive at the highest level, was less motivated on LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His withdrawal from the final contracted season is not surprising but leaves questions: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed money? Is he still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, where Talor Gooch is now captain?
Speculation continues about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible—likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he originally faced a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after lifetime bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced? It makes little sense to be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the established tour with more star power. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.