First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who is only truly motivated by high-level competition, something he only partially found at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contractual season is therefore not surprising, although questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. The 35-year-old remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will soon appear on: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly after a penalty payment? Or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? There seems to be a collaborative approach to LIV players returning to the longer-established tours. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka filed a formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be readmitted as a player.