First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh determined to compete again, 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 remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type, motivated primarily by top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. In 2022, he shifted mainly for financial reasons due to injury concerns, so giving up his final contracted LIV season is unsurprising though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or repay guaranteed money? Does he still own his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, softened significantly from a lifetime ban by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the established tour? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, seeking re-entry to the players’ circle.