First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning to compete, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel 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 competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked in LIV events. He initially joined LIV in 2022 after injury doubts clouded his career and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is no surprise, although questions remain about potential buyouts or partial refunds. Koepka also remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation now rises about where Koepka will compete next. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? It makes little sense to hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his 2022-expired PGA Tour membership to rejoin the player ranks.