First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, which he experienced only to a limited extent in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injury threatened to end his career, and he wanted to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractually obligated season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed earnings? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly against a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV start after the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? There is little reason for vindictiveness when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the more influential 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 extended after 2022, and to be readmitted to the playing group.