First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This friendly agreement was announced officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He had originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and aiming to secure a substantial retirement fund. Hence, it is not surprising he declined the last contracted playing year, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial return of guaranteed earnings. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation now focuses on which fairways Koepka will appear on next. On the DP World Tour he would be immediately eligible to play, potentially facing a penalty. On the PGA Tour, he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. It makes sense to avoid vindictiveness, as every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the established Tours. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, seeking re-entry into the players’ circle after not extending post-2022.