First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected with the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he found limited on LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing his career was ending due to injury and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His opting out of the final contractual season raises questions about buyouts or refunds, and whether he remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour where he may be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty, or PGA Tour where a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance remains, though lifetime bans have been softened. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and return to the player’s pool after his membership was not renewed post-2022.