First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back at it; 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets highly motivated and fired up only in top-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns about the end of his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contractually required season is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
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 would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, although the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened? Why be vindictive when any LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, would benefit the established tour? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally submitted an application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.