First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known to be highly competitive and motivated primarily by top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns near the end of his career, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his decision to skip the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial salary repayments. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a significant relaxation of lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan? The PGA Tour has a vested interest in welcoming prominent LIV returnees back, and this question seems partly resolved. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership that had not been renewed after 2022.