First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. 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 winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives at the highest level, which LIV did not fully provide for him. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns about his career ending and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. At 35, he remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now as captain.
Speculations arise on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible albeit possibly with penalties; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post his last LIV event after former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced life bans. Returning to the PGA Tour benefits both Koepka and the Tour, which holds more leverage. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested reinstatement to the PGA Tour last Friday.
View this