First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh also eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Yet, considering Koepka’s competitive nature, which thrives in the highest-level sports confrontations, his motivation was somewhat limited in LIV. Koepka had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career prematurely and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, he no longer playing the last contracted season is not surprising, but questions linger: Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed fee? Is he still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next tee off. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility—possibly with a penalty. Or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened. There seems little reason to hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the better-positioned tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be readmitted to the player ranks.