First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, and Charley Hull soon launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, a motivation that was somewhat lacking with LIV. Back in 2022, he joined LIV mainly due to injury concerns about his career ending prematurely and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his decision to skip the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation abounds on which fairways Koepka will soon appear. 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 previous lifetime bans were eased by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold a grudge, especially as every returning LIV player benefits the strength of the established Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership lost after 2022 and to rejoin the players’ circle.