First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh back at it, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to an amicable agreement announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a fierce competitor, appeared less motivated in LIV, having joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. It is no surprise that he forgoes his final contract year, though questions remain about financial settlements and if he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rampant where Koepka will next tee off: on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible perhaps with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. The lifetime bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan have since been substantially softened. Why seek revenge when every prominent LIV returnee strengthens the established tour? This key question partly answers itself as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to regain playing privileges.