First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time with his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career’s end and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed fee, and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, where Talor Gooch is now captain.
Speculations arose about which tours Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would likely be eligible immediately (possibly with a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Given the PGA Tour’s more powerful position, it makes sense for LIV returnees, especially prominent ones like Koepka, to be welcomed back. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported last Friday that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to regain player eligibility.