First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Expectedly, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He had initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury and the prospect of securing a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Despite this, the 35-year-old still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation intensifies about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where immediate eligibility would apply, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following softened lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones like Koepka, benefit the more powerful PGA Tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally sought reinstatement to PGA Tour membership last Friday, ending his hiatus since 2022.