First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive athlete who thrives on top-level competition, which he only limitedly found at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his opting out of the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights—possibly against a penalty fee—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after lifelong bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why be vindictive when any returning LIV player benefits the more established tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking to rejoin the player ranks.