First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, and Charley Hull launches 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he thought his career was ending due to injuries and wanted a substantial retirement fund. So, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next – the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance despite lifetime bans by ex-commissioner Jay Monahan being softened. Being vengeful seems unlikely since every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour’s leverage. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and rejoin the player pool.