First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back too, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to an official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level sports conflicts and gets fired up, something he lacked somewhat at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement income. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would immediately be eligible, perhaps with a penalty fee? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, though the lifetime bans initially imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been substantially softened? Why be spiteful when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one with leverage, serves the PGA Tour’s interests? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which expired after 2022, and to be re-admitted to the players’ circle.