First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back in action, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found less in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries made him consider ending his career early, aiming for a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contractually required season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would immediately be eligible to play—likely paying a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he has served a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced? Why be vindictive when any LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the established tours? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement among the playing membership.