First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is ready to compete again, and Charley Hull is soon launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine brings you the latest golf news.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but seeks more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed this amicable agreement. However, speculation continues about Koepka’s future playing venues – whether on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. Recently, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Renewed Without Suspension
The potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season. Koepka would then be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, premium fields—a perfect comeback opportunity. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return, suggesting he might play selectively in his favored big tournaments. The PGA Tour’s new \”Returning Member Program,\” implemented last Thursday, allows certain LIV players to regain membership without suspension, a pathway Koepka has successfully used, based on his recent win at the 2023 PGA Championship.
Koepka must contribute $5 million to the PGA Tour’s charity fund and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and a five-year capital participation program by PGA Tour Enterprises. Despite these conditions, his return is seen as a boost for the Tour and investors alike.
Other Major Golf Updates: LIV, Vijay Singh, TGL, and More
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has confirmed participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season with his Crushers team. At 62, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour using his career earnings exemption, making his start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) starts its second season but suffers from weak TV ratings without Tiger Woods, posing challenges for the league’s visibility. Charley Hull plans to launch a YouTube channel titled \”The Sweet Spot\” this summer, inspired by fellow pro Bryson DeChambeau’s success.
Jason Day has cryptically announced \”I’ve quit\” on Instagram, sparking speculation about his future, though he remains scheduled for upcoming PGA Tour events. In leadership changes, Tom Phillips will become the new CEO of the Ladies European Tour in April, bringing extensive experience from the DP World Tour and the global golf industry. Derek Sprague resigned as PGA of America CEO after just one year, citing family reasons.
Legendary Golfers Reflect on Their Careers
Lastly, a remarkable roundtable gathering featured legends Bernhard Langer, Sir Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, and Sandy Lyle reflecting on their careers and honoring the late Severiano Ballesteros. The discussion, moderated by Sky’s Iona Stephen, offers