First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another run, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he lacked somewhat in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries made him doubt his career longevity and he wanted a solid retirement fund. So, skipping the final contractual playing year is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed fee. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds on which tour Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. It seems logical not to be spiteful as big-name LIV returnees benefit the longer-established tour. This key question appears partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the players’ ranks.