First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV failed to fully provide. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries that threatened his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision not to play the last contracted season is therefore unsurprising, though questions remain about possible payout returns or buyouts. At 35, he remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation over where Koepka will compete next is rife—whether the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year ban applies after his last LIV event, although lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been substantially softened. Returning LIV players, especially notable ones, benefit the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka officially applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, previously non-renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the players’ circle.