First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, and Charley Hull will soon launch her 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, has been somewhat unmotivated at LIV. He switched in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns and sought a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is no surprise, though questions remain about any contract buyout or refunds. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Much speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he is likely eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the longer-established Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.