First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed on amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level sporting battles, which he only partially found in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns ending his career, seeking a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or refunding guarantees. Is he still owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible—possibly paying a penalty—or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after the previous life bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were greatly reduced. A grudge doesn’t serve anyone as LIV returnees strengthen the established Tour. This key question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, left unrenewed after 2022, to rejoin the players’ circle.