First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to compete, Charley Hull launching her YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level challenges, something the LIV circuit provided less of. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract year is unsurprising though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation abounds regarding where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour where he would likely need to pay a penalty for immediate eligibility or the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were greatly reduced. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership canceled after 2022 and be readmitted to the player pool.