First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of 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 time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure retirement funds. Therefore, his waiver of the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial settlements and his ownership status of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (likely with penalties); or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour lineup? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the players’ circle.
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