First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning on the PGA Tour, Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. 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 stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated the decision was mutual. Koepka, a competitor motivated by high-level competition, never fully ignited at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 amid injury doubts about his career, Koepka sought a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding financial arrangements and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s next fairways: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following eased lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Returning to the PGA Tour benefits both the Tour and the returning LIV stars. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
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