First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh eager to compete again; Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League’s 2026 season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but expressed he needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement funds. Thus, his opting out of the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will next appear on: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the significant easing of earlier lifetime bans issued by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the PGA Tour wielding greater leverage. This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming for reinstatement into the playing membership.