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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Anyone who believes that… Koepka is a competitor who thrives and gets fired up only in high-level competition, which was limited for him in LIV. He switched mainly in 2022 because of injuries that prematurely threatened his career and to secure a good retirement fund. So, foregoing the last contractually required season isn’t surprising, but questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Most speculation is about where Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour, where he would immediately be eligible to play—likely for a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the already dominant PGA Tour? This essential question seems partially answered now. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.