First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager to compete, Charley Hull to launch her YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on 7 February in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking in LIV. He originally moved to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about his career and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about financial compensations or ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance following softened lifetime bans. Given the PGA Tour’s new leniency and benefit from LIV returnees, the big question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his non-renewed PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle.
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