First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to an official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on the highest level of competition, has been only moderately motivated in LIV events. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injuries that threatened to end his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Given this, it is not surprising that he waived his last mandatory season, although questions remain about the financial terms and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely after paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event. The lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.