First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known for thriving in high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV Golf. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a significant retirement fund, making his decision to skip the final contractual season unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV start, now softened from a lifetime ban. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka could then be eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour season, which plans to feature about two dozen $20 million events with highly limited and competitive fields—ideal timing for a comeback.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might return to the PGA Tour, likely playing select big tournaments initially. Rory McIlroy supports an immediate return for Koepka, and the PGA Tour’s leadership and competition committee, headed by Tiger Woods, have influence over such decisions. A fan poll by Bunkered magazine indicates majority support for Koepka’s reinstatement.
Update: Koepka’s reinstatement on the PGA Tour was confirmed swiftly; he is eligible immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January and is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without penalty.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continues into its fifth season. However, no general contract extension has been announced, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s marquee player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh, the three-time major champion from Fiji, is back on the PGA Tour. Utilizing an exemption based on career earnings, Singh will compete at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Previously, he played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.