First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another shot, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, did not fully ignite during his time at LIV. He had switched to the Saudi circuit in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His waiver of the final contractual playing year raises questions: did he buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed money? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, who recently named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation abounds regarding where Koepka will next compete. 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 from his last LIV appearance following the former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s significant reduction of lifetime bans? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the long-established PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking to be reinstated as a player.