First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another go, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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 winner intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he had limited motivation for in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His withdrawal from the final contracted season raises questions: did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Is he still an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, he could play immediately, possibly paying a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans imposed by ex-commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why maintain grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the tour with the longer leverage? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, thus seeking re-entry into the players’ circle.