First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was the amicable agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known to be a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, something that was somewhat limited during his time in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening to end his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. It’s not surprising he waives his final contracted season, though questions remain about whether he had to pay out or return part of his guaranteed fee. Also, whether the 35-year-old still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s softened lifetime bans? The key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.