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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka is a competitor who gets truly motivated by high-level competition, something he lacked in LIV. He had switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about his career ending and to secure a good retirement fund. Therefore, his skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about any buyout or repayment of guaranteed money. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations flare about which fairways Koepka will appear on next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year ban after his last LIV event following the easing of previously lifetime suspensions imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed post-2022, seeking readmission.