First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, and Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka, a competitor who gets fired up in high-level contests, had limited motivation at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. It’s no surprise he is skipping the last contracted season, though questions remain about buyout or salary repayment. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch new captain.
Speculation arises where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a major reduction of previously lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the established tour holding the stronger cards. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.