First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, though doubts remain. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, something he lacked at LIV. He primarily joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about ending his career soon and to secure a good retirement fund. His skipping the last contract year is thus understandable, though questions arise about possible buyouts or wage returns. Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculations thrive about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. Why seek revenge when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the more powerful tour? This question partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement to PGA Tour membership last Friday.
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