First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine brings you the latest golf news.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed this amicable agreement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, found limited motivation with LIV. Having switched in 2022 due to injury concerns and financial security, his decision to skip the final contracted season raises questions: Did he have to buy out part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension looms since his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership for the first time since 2022.
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