First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level events, showed less motivation in the LIV League after switching in 2022 during injury troubles and seeking a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership status of the Smash GC LIV team captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete—DP World Tour with immediate eligibility likely involving a fine, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after lifetime bans were softened. As ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed, Koepka formally filed to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and return to play following its 2022 termination.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open by late January, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” rule, allowing select LIV players reinstatement without suspension based on recent major wins, notably Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship victory. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this unique opportunity closes February 2 and sets no precedent. Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity, and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and PGA Tour Enterprises equity for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms 2026 LIV Season Participation
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his continued participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League, leading his Crushers team unchanged into the fifth season. However, no general contract extension was announced, fueling speculation behind the scenes on future LIV commitments following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
Surprising news as three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour using his career money list exemption, debuting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh, who won five events on the PGA Tour Champions including the Senior Players Championship, previously focused on senior competition.
TGL Faces Weak TV Ratings in Season Two
Without Tiger Woods, the Tomorrow’s Golf League struggles with ratings, drawing only 646,000 viewers at its ABC season two opener, down from 919,000 in season one’s ESPN debut, and 354,000 for the second match. Woods’ absence leaves a void difficult to fill despite tech innovations and social media hype.
Charley Hull to Launch YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube success, English Malbon ambassador Charley Hull announced plans for her own channel this summer titled \”The Sweet Spot.\” Known for her flamboyant style, Hull made the announcement during a YouTube match against Jason Day on \”The L