First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, and Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to an official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, found less motivation in LIV events. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repaying guarantees. The 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will play on next. He’s eligible immediately for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, after Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the stronger leverage? This is partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.