First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was the friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level sports challenges, something he only partially found at LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV primarily because of injury concerns potentially ending his career early and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the contractually obligated final season is understandable, though questions remain about buyouts or paying back guaranteed money. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete: on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play—likely with a fine—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, reduced significantly from former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, strengthens the already dominant PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.