First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time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 his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who ignites only in high-level sport, which he experienced less with LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contracted season is understandable, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial paybacks. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation mounts on where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility—likely with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, reduced from lifetime bans originally imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. It makes sense not to hold grudges as every returning LIV player strengthens the stronger PGA Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus post-2022.