First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fiercely competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, found limited motivation in LIV. He had switched in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns about the end of his career. With that perspective, forgoing the last contractual playing year is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or paybacks. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next tee off. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, now significantly reduced from lifetime bans imposed earlier? Many wonder why hostility should remain when any high-profile LIV returnee benefits the established tour with its greater leverage. ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach revealed that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that had lapsed after 2022 and to be readmitted to the player pool.