First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found lacking in LIV. Having switched to LIV in 2022 due mainly to injury concerns and seeking a solid retirement fund, his skipping the final contractual season isn’t surprising, though some questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next appear — the DP World Tour, where he would gain immediate eligibility (likely paying a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. But why be vindictive when any returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the longer-established tour? This critical question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
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