First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back in action, and 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 will stay 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. However, Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives in top-level challenges, appeared less motivated in LIV Golf. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening to end his career and also to secure a solid retirement fund. Given this, his skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, although questions remain regarding possible buyouts or repayments of guaranteed fees. Koepka remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has made Talor Gooch the new captain.
There is much speculation about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He could immediately be eligible to play on the DP World Tour, perhaps with a penalty payment, or return to the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, as previous lifetime bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a notable one, benefits the established tour with greater leverage? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and requested reinstatement into the playing membership.