First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching her YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for his family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition, which he lacked in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared his career was ending due to injuries and wanted to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, opting out of the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. Koepka remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is high on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, since former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans significantly? Why be vindictive when returning LIV players benefit the established PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.