First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, 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 winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor motivated by high-level tournaments, a motivation that LIV Golf only partially provided. He switched in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contracted season raises questions: Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed fee? Will he remain owner of his LIV team, Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next appear: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a fine? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following the significant reduction of previously lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when the PGA Tour benefits greatly from LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his previously non-renewed PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks.