First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour; Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh, with LIV CEO Scott McNeil stating Koepka will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. Koepka, a five-time major winner, filed to reinstate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, seeking to return after not extending his membership post-2022. Speculation surrounds whether he will return to the DP World Tour or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension was reduced for LIV players. Koepka’s return is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players, particularly major winners from recent years, to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and limited from capital participation for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Participation for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf season with his Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continuing into its fifth season. However, no general contract extension was announced, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprisingly, three-time major champion Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour using a career money list exemption at age 62. He will compete starting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Low TV Ratings in Second Season
The Tomorrow’s Golf League is struggling with TV ratings without Tiger Woods, who was an audience magnet in season one. The opening day of season two drew only 646,000 viewers on ABC, compared to 919,000 on ESPN last season. The league’s founders, including Woods and Rory McIlroy, must find a new standout player to regain momentum.
Charley Hull Launching Own YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s success with over 3 million subscribers, Charley Hull announced plans to launch her own YouTube channel \”The Sweet Spot\” this summer. The flamboyant English Malbon ambassador revealed this during a match on Jason Day’s YouTube channel \”The Lads\”.
Jason Day’s Cryptic \”I’ve Quit\” Message
Jason Day recently posted \”I’ve quit\” on Instagram without specifying what he quit, fueling speculation. He is skipping the Sony Open but is registered for The American Express the following week. Fans speculate he may focus full-time on his \”The Lads\” YouTube channel.
Tom Phillips New CEO of the LET
Tom Phillips will become the CEO of the Ladies European Tour on April 6, succeeding Alexandra Armas. Phillips has over 25 years