First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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 known as a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, which he had limited motivation for in LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly because he feared his career might end due to injury and wanted to secure a substantial retirement fund. His opting out of the final contracted season is therefore unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial paybacks. Koepka, 35, still owns LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next—DP World Tour, where he would have immediate eligibility likely after a penalty fee? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, though lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were greatly reduced? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.