First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, 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 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major winner plans to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was a mutual agreement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. His initial move to LIV in 2022 was influenced by injury concerns and a desire to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, led now by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which courses Koepka will join next. He could play on the DP World Tour immediately—possibly with a penalty—or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. The previous lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Since LIV returnees potentially strengthen the PGA Tour, this key question has a partial answer: As reported by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement.