First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to play again, Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He had switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns late in his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. So it’s not surprising he skipped the last contractual season, although questions remain about whether he had to buy out, refund guaranteed money, or stays owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would likely gain immediate eligibility, possibly after a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV since the permanent bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why act vindictively when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the already stronger Tour? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.