First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Those who know Koepka understand he thrives in high-level competitive play and has not found that motivation fully within LIV. Koepka primarily joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Given this, his decision to forego the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding possible buyouts or guarantees returned. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife on where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV event still stands, though previous lifetime bans have been significantly softened. It seems vindictive to hold grudges when this prominent LIV returnee could benefit the stronger incumbent tour. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he had not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement as a tour player.