First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type who ignites under top-level competition, was somewhat limited in motivation with LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns about ending his career early and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, the waiver of the final contract season is not surprising, although questions remain about whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of the LIV Team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the tour, which holds the upper hand? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.