First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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 winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement sum. His decision to skip the last contracted season raises questions, like whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is abundant about which tours Koepka will appear on next. Possibly the DP World Tour, where he would immediately be eligible, perhaps with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension due to his last LIV appearance, after the previously imposed lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why hold grudges when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the established tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his non-renewed PGA Tour membership and to be readmitted to the playing group.