First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, and Charley Hull heads to YouTube. The Back Nine delivers exciting golf updates.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was confirmed amicably by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives on high-level contests, something he felt was limited in LIV. He had switched to the Saudi venture in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about his career and to secure a good retirement fund. Renouncing the final contracted season is less surprising but raises questions about buyouts or reimbursement of guaranteed pay. It remains unclear if the 35-year-old still owns LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation arises on where Koepka will next compete—possibly the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he has been serving a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following the reduction of lifetime bans previously imposed. A recent ESPN report by Mark Schlabach reveals Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after 2022, aiming for re-entry to the player ranks.
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