First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League’s 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. In 2022, he mainly joined the Saudi-backed league due to injury concerns threatening his career and the opportunity for a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial details and his continued ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, newly captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations have risen about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended post-2022, to rejoin the players’ circle.