First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back too, 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 will remain affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited on LIV Golf. He originally joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure a substantial retirement fund. Given this, his decision to skip his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch recently named team captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible, possibly with penalties. On the PGA Tour, he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were relaxed. However, with LIV returnees generally welcomed to the PGA Tour, this issue seems partly resolved. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
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