First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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 remain affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. But Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career’s longevity and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contractually obliged season isn’t surprising, though questions remain: did he buy out his contract or pay back part of his guaranteed fee? Does he still own his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation mounts about where Koepka will next compete. On the DP World Tour, he would immediately be eligible to play—likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he is serving a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans significantly? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee strengthens the already dominant Tour? This crucial question appears partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his non-renewed PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.