First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family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 reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition—something he limitedly experienced in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 because of injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. It is therefore not surprising he is foregoing his last contracted season, although questions remain about buyouts or refunding guaranteed earnings. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch named new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (perhaps with a fine), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.