First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Expected news: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, a competitive player who thrives in top-level competition, had only limited motivation in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns that might end his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contractual season is thus not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed earnings. He also remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as team captain.
Speculation abounds about which tour Koepka will join next. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with penalties, or seek a return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event following eased lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour’s relaxed stance reflects the understanding that returning LIV players, especially prominent ones, benefit the Tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.