First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh keen for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka, the five-time major champion, has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh to spend more time with his family, as officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive drive, had limited motivation in LIV and initially joined in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay. Koepka also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he would be eligible to play immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. However, suspensions have been softened, opening a path for LIV returnees. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Update: On Monday evening, it was confirmed Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open also confirmed. This was made possible by the ‘Returning Member Program’ that allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent PGA Championship win in 2023 was a key consideration. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described this as a one-time opportunity with no guarantee it will be available again. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, be excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup Bonus and five years from the Tour’s equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his 2026 LIV Golf League participation. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. No general contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation on behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Vijay Singh to Return at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62, using a career money exemption. He will start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh has previously won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions.
TGL’s Viewership Decline in Season Two
Without Tiger Woods, the Tomorrow’s Golf League struggles with TV ratings. ABC’s season two opener drew only 646,000 viewers versus 919,000 on ESPN in season one. The second match drew merely 354,000 viewers. The league seeks a new star attraction as Woods remains unmatched in drawing audiences.
Charley Hull Launching YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s lead with 3 million subscribers, Char