First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, speculation continues about where Koepka will play next. He could be eligible immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with a fine, or return to the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a reduction of the previous lifetime ban imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his return, which also pleases investors at PGA Tour Enterprises. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return during the podcast \”Subpar,\” suggesting Koepka will likely play minimal events but will join the majors and high-profile tournaments. The PGA Tour’s returning member program, established recently, allows select LIV players to regain membership without suspension, based on their recent major victories. Koepka’s case was supported mainly by his 2023 PGA Championship win. According to the PGA Tour, this opportunity is a one-time chance ending February 2 and sets no precedent for future cases. Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million charity donation and exclusion from certain PGA financial programs.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026, continuing with his Crushers team unchanged. However, no general contract extension was announced, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprisingly, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62 via an exemption for career money list position, starting with the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Low TV Ratings Without Tiger Woods
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) is struggling with TV ratings in its second season without Tiger Woods, who drew high viewership in season one. The opening day on ABC attracted only 646,000 viewers compared to 919,000 on ESPN the previous year. The second match drew merely 354,000 viewers. TGL founders Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley face the challenge of finding new stars to sustain interest.
Charley Hull Announces Upcoming YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s