First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for more, and Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which was somewhat limited at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed fee. Does the 35-year-old still own LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation arises about the tours Koepka might join next—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he’d serve a one-year ban from his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when any returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the PGA Tour? This key question partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022 and rejoin the players’ ranks.