First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for 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 associated with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, which he found limited at LIV. Having switched in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund, Koepka’s skipping the final contractual season raises questions. Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as its new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next tee off: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty payment?—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the dominant tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, inactive since 2022, seeking re-entry to the player pool.