First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated that Koepka will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, claiming a friendly agreement. However, Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, something he felt less with LIV. Koepka joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contractual season raises questions about buyouts or partial repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he would face a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance. PGA Tour bans have been significantly softened compared to lifetime bans under former commissioner Jay Monahan. Returning LIV players, especially stars like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to rejoin the player roster.