First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back too, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited with LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns that threatened his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or refund of guarantees. He also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. Will it be the DP World Tour, potentially with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV participation, as lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened? Considering the advantage the established PGA Tour gains from prominent LIV returnees, this essential question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, aiming to rejoin the players’ roster.