First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to the game, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competitor circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns, looking to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about financial terms and his ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the reduction of life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the longer-established PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not renewed since 2022, and to be readmitted to the player pool.