First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, and Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition and motivation, something he felt less at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement income. Thus, skipping his final contracted playing year is not too surprising, though questions remain around potential buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed purse. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rising about which tours Koepka will join next. He is eligible for the DP World Tour immediately—likely with a penalty—or could return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after the life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. But why hold grudges when any returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? 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, seeking reinstatement among the players.