First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career ending and to secure substantial retirement funds, it’s no surprise he waived the final contract year, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. It’s also uncertain if the 35-year-old still owns his LIV team Smash GC, led now by new captain Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will soon appear on: the DP World Tour where he’d be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, since the lifetime bans handed down by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile player like Koepka, benefits the PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement to the player ranks.