First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he rarely found on LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 believing his career was nearing its end due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract season is no surprise, though questions remain about potential buyouts or salary repayments. He also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations are rife about which tours Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly facing a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a reduction of lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when a high-profile LIV returnee benefits the dominant tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.