First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who gets highly motivated in top-level competitions, something that was limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His choice to skip the last contractual season is therefore understandable, though questions remain regarding any buyout or payback. The 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch appointed as the new captain.
Speculations abound about which tour Koepka will appear on next. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or aim for the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance—after previous lifetime bans were reduced by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. It makes little sense to be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, to be reinstated as a player.