First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has formally deregistered for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type who gets highly motivated and fired up only in top-level competitions, something he had less of at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries made him consider ending his career early and to secure a solid retirement fund. Given that, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or partial repayment of guaranteed money. He also remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will play next. He would be eligible immediately on the DP World Tour—likely with a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, after lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the already dominant PGA Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and be readmitted to the players’ circle.