First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to return, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is understandable, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour where he would have immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension imposed after his last LIV appearance would apply. Yet, the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Returning to the PGA Tour could benefit both Koepka and the circuit, especially as other prominent LIV returnees have eased back in. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.