First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This decision, described as amicable, was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something that was limited during his time in LIV. He had initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening to end his career and to secure a sizable retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed salary. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds regarding where Koepka will next tee off: on the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible to play—likely facing a penalty? Or back on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance would apply, following the significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Allowing prominent LIV returnees like Koepka to compete again benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the leverage. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, and to be readmitted to the players’ circle.