First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches a 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competitor circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who gets highly motivated and fired up during top-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He primarily joined LIV in 2022 fearing an injury-ended career and wanting a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contracted year is unsurprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed money? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation has been rife about which fairways Koepka will next grace. The DP World Tour could grant immediate playing rights, potentially with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the tour wielding greater leverage? This key question now has a partial answer. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not extend after 2022, seeking readmission to the playing ranks.