First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to return, Charley Hull joining YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, says LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which LIV offered to a limited extent. Having switched to LIV mainly in 2022 fearing an early career end due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund, his waiver of the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on which fairways Koepka will appear next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following significant easing of prior lifetime bans. This key question seems partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus since 2022 and returning to the player circle.