First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to competitive golf, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated the decision was mutual and amicable. However, Koepka, known for thriving on high-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV, having joined primarily in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure financial stability for retirement. Questions remain whether Koepka had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. Meanwhile, he remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would likely gain immediate playing rights albeit possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his LIV appearances. Previous lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour. He is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and confirmed to participate in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible through the new \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors in this decision.
The PGA Tour stated the special provision applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years and expires on February 2. Brian Rolapp, PGA Tour CEO, emphasized this is a unique opportunity, not setting a precedent. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith may consider this carefully, while it creates unease within the LIV Golf League.
Koepka will donate five million dollars to the PGA Tour Charity Fund and faces restrictions: exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ capital participation program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remain intact. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, raising speculation about negotiations behind the scenes to retain this high-profile LIV member after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh is returning to compete on the PGA Tour. Utilizing his exemption based on career