First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion plans to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns that threatened his career’s end and to secure a strong retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. It remains uncertain if the 35-year-old will retain ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations grow on where Koepka will next compete—on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly for a penalty fee, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. This suspension followed a significant reduction of prior lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour now seems to welcome returning LIV players openly, especially prominent names. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to return to the player pool.