First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching her YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive athlete who thrives on playing at the highest level, a characteristic only partially fulfilled at LIV. His 2022 move to the Saudi-backed tour was largely motivated by injury concerns and securing a substantial retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will compete in next — the DP World Tour, where immediate eligibility is possible, possibly against a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance technically applies, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened the lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which holds greater leverage? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players circle after not renewing post-2022.