First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something that was limited during his LIV tenure. He originally switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury and the prospect of securing a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contractual season is unsurprising, though questions about buyouts or guarantees remain. It’s unclear if the 35-year-old will continue to own his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will next appear: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a softened ban originally lifetime by then-Commissioner Jay Monahan? But why hold grudges when any LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the power? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.