First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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 winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, has been less motivated at LIV. In fact, he switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. It is therefore not surprising he foregoes the final contractual season, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation arises as to which fairways Koepka will appear on next. At the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play – perhaps with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were eased? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player serves the incumbent tour’s interests? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.