First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull going YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found only limited on LIV. After joining LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund, his opting out of the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately—possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why hold grudges when every prominent LIV returnee ultimately benefits the stronger Tour? This key question now seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended past 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.