First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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 stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This friendly agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Yet, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on the highest level tournaments, which LIV has not fully provided. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns and a desire to secure retirement funds. So skipping his final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation continues on which fairways Koepka will play next. He would be eligible immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans by Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the stronger PGA Tour? This key question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, to regain playing privileges.