First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh wants another shot; Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he rarely found at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022, anticipating an early end to his career due to injuries and securing a strong retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out of the contract or repay part of the guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation is ongoing about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension since his last LIV event would apply, although lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one like Koepka, benefits the established Tour. This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.