First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning at 62, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, which launches on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found only limited on LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns about ending his career but wanted to secure a good retirement fund. The waiver of his last contractual season is thus not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed earnings. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, possibly facing a fine? Or back on the PGA Tour, where a one-year ban since his last LIV event lingers, softened from a lifetime ban originally imposed by Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee strengthens the established PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle after not renewing post-2022.