First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited on LIV. Originally switching to LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career end and to secure retirement funds, it is not surprising he skips the final contractual season, though questions remain about any buyout or refund. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, after previously lifelong bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee plays into the PGA Tour’s hands? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his non-renewed PGA Tour membership after 2022 and rejoin the players’ circle.