First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives on top-level challenges, has been only partially motivated in LIV. Notably, he joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury fears ending his career, seeking a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial terms and whether he retains ownership stakes in his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next—immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he currently serves a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. Former PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan had imposed lifetime bans but they were softened considerably. It makes little sense to be vindictive when every notable LIV returnee benefits the longer-standing PGA Tour. This critical question seems partly answered: According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after non-renewal in 2022.