First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something he only partly experienced with LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly due to injury worries about ending his career early and securing a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. He also remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch its new captain.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will play on next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty payment, or he might return to the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. Former commissioner Jay Monahan had imposed lifetime suspensions, which were later softened. It makes sense not to be vengeful, as every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour. This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and rejoin the players’ group.