First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager, Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. Originally, he joined the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and the desire to secure a solid retirement fund. It is therefore not surprising he opts out of the last contractually obligated season, although questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed fee. He remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour could grant him immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans issued by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly relaxed. There seems little point in being vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the longer-leveraged PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally submitted a request last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.