First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to return, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives at the highest level of competition, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contractual season raises questions: Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he would immediately qualify, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event following a significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka submitted his formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the players’ circle.