First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another go, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family.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 agreed on amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something the LIV experience somewhat lacked. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and for a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season isn’t surprising, though questions remain—did he have to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of LIV’s Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next tee off. On the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible, likely for a penalty fee? Or back on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a significant easing of lifetime bans initially imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold grudges when LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones, benefit the PGA Tour’s interests? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming to rejoin the player pool.