First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets motivated and fired up only during high-level competition, something LIV did not fully ignite for him. He originally moved to LIV in 2022 primarily because injuries threatened his career ending early, and he wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. Given this, it’s not surprising he waived his last contractual playing season, though questions remain whether he had to buy out part of his guaranteed pay or if he remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is growing regarding where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly after a fine; or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of the lifetime bans once imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. There is little reason for vindictiveness, especially as any prominent LIV returnee ultimately benefits the PGA Tour. This question now seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player pool.