First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns that cast doubt on his career longevity, aiming to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or partial salary returns. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, recently appointing Talor Gooch as team captain.
Most speculation revolves around which tour Koepka will next compete on. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation after former commissioner Jay Monahan eased lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the established tour? ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach confirmed that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, abandoned after 2022, aiming for reinstatement.
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