First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected: Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; he will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive athlete who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns, seeking to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip his final contract year is therefore unsurprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
The big speculation is which tour Koepka will play on next. DP World Tour would allow him immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance still applies, though life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. It makes sense not to be vindictive since returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones, benefit the established PGA Tour. This question appears partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, seeking readmission.