First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was a mutual agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. So his skip of the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain—did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans significantly. There is no point in being vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership paused since 2022 and be reinstated.