First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated they reached a friendly agreement. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives under high-level competition, had limited motivation at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure solid retirement funds. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions though, such as whether he paid a buyout or returned part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will compete next — the DP World Tour where he would immediately be eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension was imposed for previous LIV participation but later softened. Returning LIV players benefit the dominant PGA Tour, and ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally requested reinstatement to PGA Tour membership as of last Friday.
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