First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a highly competitive athlete, reportedly has not been fully motivated by LIV events and chose to end his contract early after initially joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and financial security. Questions remain about whether he had to repay part of his guaranteed salary or if he remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next—on the DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly facing a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he technically faces one year suspension after his last LIV participation. However, the PGA Tour has softened life bans previously issued. Recently, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship ending the season. Koepka would then be eligible to play the newly condensed 2027 PGA Tour schedule featuring limited fields and high-profile $20 million events, ideal for a comeback. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence that Koepka will return, likely playing minimum events but focusing on the big tournaments he prefers. PGA Tour officials, including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, are reportedly supportive, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka’s reinstatement was confirmed Monday evening; he will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open later January and also participate in the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This reinstatement was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” established recently, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour status without suspension, considering major wins like Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a unique opportunity expiring February 2 and not precedent for future cases. Koepka must contribute $5 million to a PGA Tour charity fund, will be ineligible for 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and excluded from the capital participation program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League with his Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, entering their fifth season. However, no general contract extension was announced, leaving room for speculation on behind-the-scenes negotiations following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
Surprisingly, Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour at 62, taking advantage of an exemption due to his career earnings ranking. He will compete at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week