First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time with his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something he found limited in LIV Golf. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure financial stability, it is not surprising he skips the final contracted season. Questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed pay. Also, does he still own the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculations are rife about which fairways Koepka will soon play. With immediate eligibility on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start after former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s life bans were significantly reduced? Why hold grudges when each returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the playing field.