First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine bringing big golf news.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was stated amicably by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fiercely competitive athlete, thrives on top-level competition, which he felt was limited at LIV. Originally, he shifted in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his waiver of the final contractual season raises questions: Did he have to buy out his contract or refund part of the guaranteed payment? Does he remain owner of LIV’s Smash GC, already led by Talor Gooch?
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will grace next. The DP World Tour would reinstate his playing rights immediately, possibly with a fine. On PGA Tour, he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, although lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why retaliate harshly when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? This seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
View this post on Instagram