First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who gets motivated and fired up during top-level contests, which he lacked somewhat at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injuries threatening his career’s end and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he buy out of his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain the owner of LIV team Smash GC, who already appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculations arise about which fairways Koepka will soon play on. The DP World Tour would immediately grant him playing rights — probably with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, since life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the already stronger PGA Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to be reinstated as a player.