First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to try again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but requires more time for family. The official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil described the arrangement as amicable. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career and to secure a retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about which tour Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty payment. The PGA Tour has suspended him for one year since his last LIV participation, following a significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive if every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the established tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, aiming for readmission to the player ranks.