First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns ending his career, aiming for a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. Potentially the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year ban after his last LIV event, now reduced from a lifetime ban by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The question of why the PGA Tour would ease restrictions is partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.