First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to official LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries threatened his career, and he wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or partial salary repayments. Koepka also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could compete immediately, possibly after a penalty payment? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year ban since his last LIV event, though lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the already dominant Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement to PGA Tour membership last Friday, seeking to rejoin the player ranks after his membership was not renewed post-2022.