First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive player who thrives on top-level contests, was less motivated with LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared an early career end due to injuries and wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour where he could be immediately eligible, perhaps with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after the previous lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the established Tour? This question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.