First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who gets highly motivated only at top-level competitions, which was limited at LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although some questions remain about possible buyout or guarantees repayment. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previously lifetime bans were significantly reduced by former commissioner Jay Monahan. It’s logical not to be vindictive when every LIV returnee ultimately benefits the established tour. This key question seems partially 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 reinstated as a member.