First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, and Charley Hull to launch a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time with family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Many doubt this amicable explanation, noting Koepka’s competitive nature thrives on top-level events, something he lacked in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury doubts near career end and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual season raises questions: Did he pay a buyout or return part of his guaranteed money? Does he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Most speculation revolves around where Koepka will compete next: DP World Tour, likely eligible immediately but possibly facing penalties, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV outing, though lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. The PGA Tour has reactivated Koepka’s membership request, allowing him to rejoin the players’ pool post-2022 after formal application last Friday, as reported by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.
Update: Koepka is now eligible to play immediately on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program,\” granting select LIV players membership reinstatement without suspension, acknowledging achievements including his 2023 PGA Championship. The program is limited to recent major and Players winners and expires February 2, deemed a unique, non-precedential opportunity by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charities, forfeit FedEx Cup bonuses in 2026, and is excluded from the Tour’s investment program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue for the fifth season. However, no general contract extension has been announced for DeChambeau yet, inviting speculation on internal negotiations, especially following Koepka’s departure from LIV.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major champion Vijay Singh, aged 62, returns to the PGA Tour using a career earnings exemption. He will start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, coming from the PGA Tour Champions where he has five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Low TV Ratings Without Tiger Woods
The second season launch of the Tomorrow’s Golf League saw weak TV ratings, drawing only 646,000 viewers on ABC compared to 919,000 on ESPN during season one, with subsequent matches dropping further to 354,000 viewers. Without