First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competitor circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Given this, his skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out of his contract or return part of his guarantee? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next tee off. On the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately — perhaps paying a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation, now softened from the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player strengthens the longer-established tour? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, seeking readmission to the player ranks.