First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 season of the LIV Golf League, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit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 agreed upon amicably, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career’s end and the opportunity to secure significant retirement funds. His decision to skip the final contracted season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He also remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds on which tours Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he might be eligible immediately possibly facing penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV start after previous lifetime bans by then-Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why be vindictive when returning LIV players benefit the stronger established tour? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.