First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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 with the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, questions remain about Koepka’s future, as the competitive type thrives on high-level challenge, which LIV provided only limitedly. Koepka initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure his financial retirement, so skipping his last contractual season is not surprising. There are still speculations about whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed money. He remains owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next — on the DP World Tour, where he could be eligible possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. This suspension was reduced from a lifetime ban by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Returning to the PGA Tour would be welcomed, especially as it strengthens their position. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after it lapsed post-2022.
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