First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain linked to the rival circuit but plans to spend more time with his family, according to a friendly agreement reported by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, has been somewhat less motivated in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund, his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about any buyout or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch already named captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour, where he’s immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV participation, following the significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee plays into the hands of the strong PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.