First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level contests, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. It is thus not surprising he skipped the final contracted season, although questions remain about potential buyouts or returning guaranteed money. It is also uncertain if the 35-year-old remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next tee off. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, perhaps facing a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, following significant reductions of initial lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The question of reconciliation seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022.