First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He had switched to the Saudi venture in 2022 mainly because injuries made him doubt his career longevity and he wanted a substantial retirement fund. The waiver of the last contracted season thus comes as no surprise, though questions remain. Did he buy himself out or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which already named Talor Gooch the new captain?
Speculation is rife over which fairways Koepka will next appear on. The DP World Tour, where he would have immediate playing rights – possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after life bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the tour well positioned at the upper hand. This central question now seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his non-renewed 2022 PGA Tour membership and be reinstated into the playing field.