First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also making a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition but has been less motivated in LIV events. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His forfeiture of the last contractual season is therefore not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyout or repayment of a guaranteed salary. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension awaits based on his last LIV participation, although the previously lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. The key question seemed partially answered when ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022, to be reinstated as a player.