First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited on LIV. He originally joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his decision to skip the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding financial arrangements and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on which tours Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, potentially with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why be grudging when returning LIV players, especially prominent ones like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reentry to the player roster.