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As expected: Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition; however, he was less motivated during LIV events. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly to secure a substantial retirement payout after injuries threatened to end his career early. His decision to skip the final contracted season raises questions—did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed fee? He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next compete—on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the stronger Tour? This question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be readmitted as a player.