First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated by LIV events. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns that threatened his career and to secure a good retirement fund. His skipping of the final contractual season is therefore unsurprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments of guaranteed fees. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds regarding which tours Koepka will appear on next. He could immediately play on the DP World Tour, possibly facing a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which holds greater leverage? This key question seems partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, and return to the playing ranks.