First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel 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 champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more family time. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he wasn’t getting as much at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or paybacks. Koepka, 35, is still a co-owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next play — DP World Tour, where immediate eligibility might require a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, softened from a lifetime ban previously imposed. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.