First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV provided only limitedly. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injury had jeopardized his career and he sought a solid retirement fund. Thus, his opting out of his last contractual year is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which already named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will compete next: DP World Tour where he would likely be immediately eligible possibly with a fine or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans. It’s logical not to be vindictive when a prominent LIV returnee plays into the hands of the Tour with greater leverage. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership which was not extended after 2022.