First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he experienced only limitedly in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contractual season comes as no surprise, though questions persist about buyouts or guarantees. He remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation now surrounds which tour Koepka will compete in next. He would be eligible immediately for the DP World Tour, possibly after a penalty payment, or could return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of previous lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. This question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, and to rejoin the playing field.