First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching her own YouTube channel. Welcome to The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay involved in the competitor circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial pension fund, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or partial paybacks. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife over which tour Koepka will appear on next. On the DP World Tour, he would be eligible immediately—possibly with a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance. Former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been significantly eased. Given the PGA Tour’s advantage with LIV defectors returning, the question seemed crucial. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his membership with the PGA Tour after not renewing post-2022, seeking readmission to the player ranks.