First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives under top-level contests, hasn’t found that motivation in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 amid injuries threatening his career’s end, he aimed to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season raises questions: did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly after paying a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, although life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly reduced. Forgiving returning LIV players, especially stars, benefits the established tours. This question partly answered, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.