First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to compete, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or partial salary repayments. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next—DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, presumably with a penalty payment, or PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV start due to softened lifetime bans previously imposed. Why be vindictive when returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones, benefit the PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered: According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not extended after 2022 and to be reinstated as a member.