First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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 will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which was somewhat lacking in LIV. Koepka switched to the Saudi-based league in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns about the end of his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his decision to forgo the final contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out of the contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will next appear on. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after the previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one like Koepka, benefits the tour with greater leverage? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, aiming to rejoin the players’ roster.