First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh aims for a PGA Tour comeback; Charley Hull to launch a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level sports confrontations, something he experienced only limitedly at LIV. He initially switched in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. So skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary. The 35-year-old remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife regarding where Koepka will compete next. Possibly on the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible—potentially against a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance despite former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s reduction of lifetime bans. Why retaliate when any prominent LIV returnee helps the stronger PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after its expiration in 2022, seeking re-entry into the players’ pool.