First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who gets highly motivated and fired up in top-level competitions, something he lacked somewhat in LIV. In 2022, he mainly joined LIV because of injury concerns that threatened his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractually required season is not surprising, although questions remain: did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch captain?
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be vengeful when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the long-dominant PGA Tour? 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 after 2022, and be readmitted to the player pool.