First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, something he somewhat lacked in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure a good retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain if he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary. It is also uncertain if the 35-year-old remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will appear next. DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, now relaxed from lifetime bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the longer-established tours? This key question seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after it was not renewed post-2022.