First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, and Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable decision comes from LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type motivated by top-level contests, which he found limited at LIV. Originally switching in 2022 due to injury doubts about his career and seeking a solid retirement fund, his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife over where Koepka will next compete—DP World Tour where he’d be immediately eligible likely with a penalty or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension applies since his last LIV event, although former lifetime bans have been eased. Why hold grudges when returning LIV players, especially stars, benefit the stronger tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited elite fields—ideal for his comeback. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises would likely welcome another big name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He may need some time but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” It’s believed the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee might overlook suspension, especially heeding Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately. A non-representative fan poll by \”Bunkered\” supports this sentiment.
Update: The expectation was correct. It quickly spread that Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and also at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This became possible due to a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players reinstatement without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains unchanged entering the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau did not announce a contract extension, fueling speculation on undisclosed arrangements to retain marketing’s top LIV star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major champion Vijay