First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement comes from LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on the highest level of competition, which was limited at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns about ending his career prematurely and securing a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is understandable though questions remain: Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed fees? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—probably with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened the lifetime bans? Rather than holding grudges, the PGA Tour seems to gain from allowing LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones. This question seems 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, and to be reinstated as a player.