First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh ready to compete again; Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Yet Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something LIV offered only moderately. His 2022 switch to LIV came after injury challenges, seeking a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about buyout details or salary repayments. Koepka, 35, also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete. On the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, possibly with a fine? Or back on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event—after the previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced? The key question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022 and rejoin the player ranks.