First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 chiefly because of injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision to forgo the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. Koepka still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next: on the DP World Tour where he might be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. Previously, lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were eased. It makes sense not to be vindictive as high-profile LIV returnees benefit the PGA Tour, which holds the stronger cards. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, inactive since 2022, seeking reentry to the players’ roster.