First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh back to compete, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time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. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, which he found somewhat lacking in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns near the end of his career and to secure a solid retirement fund, it’s understandable he forgoes the last contractually required playing season. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows on which fairways Koepka will next appear. Would it be the DP World Tour, where he might be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start after the former commissioner Jay Monahan softened the previously lifetime bans? Why seek revenge when returning LIV players, especially a prominent one, play into the hands of the more powerful established tour? This key question is partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking readmission to the players’ circle.