First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season set to begin on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Given this, his decision to forgo the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or paybacks of guaranteed money. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next—on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly subject to a fine, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a easing of previous lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the tour that holds more influence? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed post-2022, seeking reinstatement as a player.