First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s friendly agreement statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. Initially, in 2022, he joined LIV mainly due to injury concerns about his career’s end and to secure a good retirement fund. Hence, opting out of the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay. Koepka, 35, remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations continue on which fairways Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he would be instantly eligible, perhaps with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension awaits since his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans were softened. Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the stronger established tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, aiming to be reinstated as a player.