First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who is highly motivated in sports competitions at the highest level; that motivation was somewhat limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he thought his career was ending due to injury and wanted a strong retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contractually required season is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he have to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation is rife where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, although the previously imposed lifetime bans have been substantially softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, to be readmitted into the player pool.