First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull also heading to YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022, primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last contracted season raises questions—did he have to buy out or return part of his guarantee? He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, after life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one like Koepka, benefits the more established PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership—which was not renewed after 2022—and to regain playing privileges.