First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fierce competitor, is known to be most motivated by high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022, fearing an injury-ending career, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his opting out of the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed paycheck. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will soon appear on. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifetime bans were softened. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the well-established tour? This issue seems partly resolved: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.