First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time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 reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, many believe otherwise. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and the opportunity to secure his retirement funds. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about any financial repayments or his ownership status with LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation focuses on where Koepka will play next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, potentially with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event – a suspension that was significantly softened from a lifetime ban previously issued by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The practical question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not extended after 2022.