First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who gets fired up only in high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, it’s not surprising he skipped the final mandated season, although questions remain about buyout terms or salary repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next — on the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were eased. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, the stronger circuit? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the player ranks.