First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh eager to compete again; Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on the highest level of competition, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns that threatened his career and to secure a decent retirement fund. Therefore, his skipping the final contractually obligated season is not surprising, although questions remain: Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would immediately be eligible—possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan significantly softened lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. 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 beyond 2022, and be reinstated in the player field.