First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another run, Charley Hull heading soon to YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which starts February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he found only limited on LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a softened lifetime ban previously imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan? It makes little sense for revenge when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the established tour. This key question appears partially answered. Insiders report that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.