First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to return, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitive character who thrives in high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career’s end and to secure a solid retirement fund. His opting out of the final contract year is thus not surprising, though some questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Most speculation centers on which fairways Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV event would apply after the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? There is no reason for vindictiveness, especially as every prominent LIV returnee plays into the hands of the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. This crucial question now seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, and to be readmitted as a player.