First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. 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 remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, something he rarely found in LIV. His 2022 move to Saudi Arabia was largely driven by injury concerns and the desire to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out? Will he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation runs high over which tours Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour allows immediate play, likely with penalties. The PGA Tour would require him to serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, although life bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly eased. This raises the key question: why be vengeful when every returning LIV player, especially a star, benefits the more established PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks.