First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also eager to return, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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, according to the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns threatening to end his career and the opportunity to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his waiver of the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. It is also unclear if he remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will appear next—whether on the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to play immediately, likely with a penalty payment, or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation. The lifelong bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened, and allowing high-profile LIV returnees ultimately benefits the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster.