First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level sporting contests, something he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Given this, his opting out of the last contracted season is not surprising though questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and if he remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on where Koepka will next play: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee strengthens the rival tour, already dominated by it? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.