First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, 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 intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fiercely competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, was somewhat subdued in LIV. He had switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and the opportunity to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season does not surprise, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial repayments. It also remains uncertain whether the 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour offers immediate playing rights, likely with a penalty, while the PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, though lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly relaxed. Welcoming LIV returnees – especially stars – benefits the PGA Tour, and this key issue seems partially resolved. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
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