Brooks Koepka set to make first start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh, stating he will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil described the decision as amicable. However, Koepka – a competitive type usually motivated by top-level competition – showed limited enthusiasm during his LIV tenure. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about buyout terms or guarantees repayment. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with fines, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from LIV participation applies but has been softened from a lifetime ban. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership following non-renewal after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the new PGA Tour schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited, top fields, an ideal return point. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return, likely playing select big tournaments initially. The PGA Tour’s board, players’ directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee could show leniency towards Koepka, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for immediate reinstatement. A fan survey by \”Bunkered\” supports this view.
Update: Koepka has been granted immediate PGA Tour eligibility and is confirmed to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January and the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona, enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing LIV players to rejoin without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Participation for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau also officially confirmed attendance in LIV Golf 2026, with his Crushers team remaining intact. However, no general contract extension was announced, raising speculation on behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprise move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh utilizes his career money list exemption to return to the PGA Tour, teeing up at the Sony Open in Hawaii after a successful PGA Tour Champions stint with five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Weak TV Ratings in Second Season
Without Tiger Woods, the Tomorrow’s Golf League struggles with ratings, drawing 646,000 viewers on ABC’s season two opener compared to 919,000 for season one’s debut. The novelty appears worn off, prompting calls for a new marquee star to maintain interest, a tough