First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who is highly motivated and fired up by top-level contests, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mostly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His waiver of the last contracted season is therefore not surprising though questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour where he could be immediately eligible likely after a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he would have to sit out a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, as the former lifetime bans by Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly eased. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022 and to be readmitted as a player.
Update: It’s official. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the recently created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This will likely give Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith something to think about and unsettle LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing to LIV was mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, 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 will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not publicly extended his contract, leaving room for speculation about negotiations behind the scenes after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh returns to the