First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still wants to compete, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain linked to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives at the highest level of competition, which he somewhat lacked at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns potentially ending his career, seeking a solid retirement payout. Hence, his opting out of the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation grows on which fairways Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour would immediately grant playing rights—possibly against a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the dominant PGA Tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not extended after 2022, and rejoin the player field.