First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh is eager to compete again, and Charley Hull will launch her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level tournaments and intense competition, something he only partially found at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, his decision not to play the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain regarding financial settlements. It is also uncertain if the 35-year-old remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations are rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour could allow him immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty payment. The PGA Tour, however, imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, a lifetime ban softened significantly by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the tour with the longer leverage? This crucial question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, and to be reinstated into the player pool.