First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a return, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil's official statement. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor, thrives in high-level competition – a motivation he lacked somewhat at LIV. He primarily moved in 2022 to LIV Golf due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His opting out of the final contractual season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will play next – on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with penalties? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of former Commissioner Jay Monahan's lifetime bans? Why hold resentment when LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones like Koepka, benefit the more established tours? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player pool.