First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain associated with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated by LIV events and joined in 2022 primarily due to injury-related career concerns and to secure a retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about financial settlements and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations on which fairways Koepka will appear next have taken off. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly subject to penalties, or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. The lifetime bans former commissioner Jay Monahan imposed have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the already dominant Tour? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.