First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back at it, and Charley Hull launches her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, as confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, was less motivated at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a good retirement fund. His skipping the last contract year is not surprising, though questions linger about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will grace next — the DP World Tour where he is likely immediately eligible, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he would face a one-year ban after his last LIV event, although lifetime bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly reduced. Why be vindictive when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? This key question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player after not renewing post-2022.