First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull about to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor type who thrives on top-level competition, which LIV seldom provided. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns about the end of his career. So skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership stake in Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on which fairways Koepka will soon appear. DP World Tour could grant immediate play eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. However, this ban has been significantly softened from the prior lifetime penalties. Reconciliation helps, as each LIV returnee strengthens the already dominant Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ roster.
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