First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for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 amicably agreed upon, according to official statements from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries and to secure a retirement fund. His opting out of the final contracted season is not surprising, but questions remain about whether he had to buy out or refund guaranteed money. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate play, possibly with a penalty, while a one-year suspension awaited him on the PGA Tour after his last LIV event. However, lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly eased. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee strengthens the PGA Tour’s position? This question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Update: Koepka is now immediately PGA Tour eligible and will start at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is confirmed. This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” instituted last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered. The PGA Tour states this special rule applies only to major and Players winners from the last three years, expiring February 2, and is a one-time offer. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, and for 2026 is excluded from FedEx Cup bonuses and equity programs. This development may influence other players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause unease at LIV Golf.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his return to LIV Golf in 2026, with his Crushers team continuing unchanged. However, no general contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh will return to the PGA Tour at 62, using a career earnings exemption and starting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Weak TV Ratings in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League struggles in its second season without Tiger Woods, with significantly lower viewership numbers on ABC compared to last year’s ESPN ratings. Organizers including Woods and Rory Mc