First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, and Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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 winner intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive spirit who thrives on elite-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. Originally, Koepka joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, it’s not surprising that he foregoes the final contracted season, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out of his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds regarding where Koepka will next play. While he would be eligible immediately on the DP World Tour—likely with a penalty—he faces a one-year ban on the PGA Tour after his last LIV event, though previous lifetime bans imposed by then-Commissioner Jay Monahan have been greatly softened. Why hold grudges when each returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, bolsters the PGA Tour’s influence? This major question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka officially applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending his absence since 2022.