First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to return, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily for financial security after injury concerns. Questions remain whether he had to buy out of his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation grows on where Koepka will play next. He could join the DP World Tour immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and return to the playing field.
Potential suspension ends in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the PGA Tour’s new 2027 schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-ranked fields—an ideal comeback scenario. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another major star.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for big events or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” Fans reportedly support allowing Koepka back, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation and the PGA Tour competition committee’s stance.
Update: It happened: Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is confirmed, thanks to a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms 2026 LIV Golf Season Start
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri enters its fifth season unchanged. No general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation on behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: The three-time major winner from Fiji, Vijay Singh, returns to the PGA Tour at 62, using an exemption based on his career earnings ranking. He is scheduled to start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Previously, Singh played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
<