First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he only moderately found with LIV. He joined LIV primarily in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a strong retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contractually obligated season is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or paybacks. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour would immediately grant him eligibility—likely with a penalty fee—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a significant reduction of prior lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vengeful when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his non-extended PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.