First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026 starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for his family, according to an official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was only moderately motivated during his stint in LIV. In 2022, he primarily joined LIV due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contractually obligated season raises questions: Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will play on next. He could have immediate eligibility on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty fee, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV start, a sanction significantly reduced from the previous lifetime ban. Returning LIV players, especially prominent ones, benefit the PGA Tour, which has the upper hand. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.