First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel 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 remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something that was limited during his time in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Given this, his skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or returning guarantees. He also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation intensifies about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to compete, perhaps with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans were significantly reduced. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the well-established Tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, seeking to rejoin the player pool after his membership was not renewed post-2022.