First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to compete, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed this amicable agreement. Koepka, known for thriving on top-level competition, found limited motivation on LIV, having joined in 2022 during injury troubles to secure a solid retirement fund. His opting out of the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about buyout conditions and his ownership status in LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds over Koepka’s next playing venues. He could immediately be eligible on the DP World Tour—likely paying a penalty—or seek reinstatement on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension has been reduced from lifetime bans previously enforced by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when big-name LIV returnees benefit the powerful PGA Tour? Apparently, this key question has partial answers: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his 2022-expired PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster.