First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, showed limited enthusiasm at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a generous retirement fund. Skipping the final contracted season is thus not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or paybacks. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations arise on which tour Koepka will appear next: DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension awaits since his last LIV event, though lifetime bans have been softened. Returning to the PGA Tour would benefit both Koepka and the established tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
Update: On Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly that Koepka is once again eligible for the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s notable achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship, were key in his case.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years and expires on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development challenges players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith, and causes concern in LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalties for crossing to LIV are mild: a five million dollar charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he’ll compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026 with his Crushers team unchanged. No general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s biggest star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
A surprising move sees three-time major winner Vijay Singh coming back to the PGA Tour at age 62. Using an exemption from his career earnings ranking, Singh will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. He has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.