First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine report.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on sporting challenges at the highest level, something LIV provided only to a limited degree. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season is therefore not surprising, although questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed salary. He also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is now rife about which fairways Koepka will play next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly subject to a penalty fee, or for the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance due to softened lifetime bans previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. It makes little sense to be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the more powerful PGA Tour. This crucial question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.