First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back too, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for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 competitive type who gets highly motivated and fired up mainly during high-level competitions, something he only moderately experienced at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injuries made him fear an early end to his career and he wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, his waiver of the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed income? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility – possibly against a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan significantly softened the lifetime bans initially imposed? Why hold grudges when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the more dominant PGA Tour? This crucial question appears partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka last Friday formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking re-entry to the players’ circle.