First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition, had limited motivation at LIV. In fact, he joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries had cast doubt on his career’s longevity and he sought a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip his final contractual season is therefore unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial repayment of guaranteed fees. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka might soon appear on: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately—possibly after a penalty fee—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the Tour holding the stronger position? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to rejoin the players’ ranks.