First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh back on tour, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. 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 intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeill stated this was a mutual agreement. However, Koepka, known for his competitive spirit at the highest level, seemed less motivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund, making the choice to skip his final contractual season less surprising. Questions remain whether he paid buyout fees or refunded guarantees, and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will next attend. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly facing penalties, or aim for a PGA Tour return where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. The key question appears partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported last Friday that Koepka has formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not extended since 2022, to be reinstated as a player.
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