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 opted out of the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to official statements by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and intensity, which was somewhat lacking at LIV. He moved to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, his withdrawal from the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will next compete on. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights, possibly subject to a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, although lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when any prominent LIV returnee benefits the established tour holding the leverage? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and rejoin the playing field.