First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh looking 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level tournaments, something he experienced only partially at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared his career would end prematurely due to injuries and wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contractual season is understandable, although questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed earnings. He remains the owner of his LIV team, Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly subject to fines, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour, which wields greater influence? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his membership with the PGA Tour and rejoin the playing field.