First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 season of the LIV Golf League, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he only partially found at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries that made him fear for his career’s end, and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain regarding potential buyout or salary repayments. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play on next. He could be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly facing a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after initial lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when prominent LIV returnees benefit the established tour? This question seems partially 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 rejoin the players’ circle.