First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he rarely found at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries threatened his career, and he sought a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is unsurprising, although questions linger about buyouts or repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on which tour Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible, possibly with a fine? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans drastically? Why act vindictively when every LIV returnee helps the PGA Tour wield leverage? That critical question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not renewed since 2022 and rejoin the player pool.