First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Expected news: Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, had limited motivation in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and financial security for retirement. His withdrawal from the final contracted season raises questions about payments and his ownership role in LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are rife about which fairways Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would gain immediate eligibility likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation due to softened lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. This critical question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and rejoin its player ranks.
Update: It has just happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated to the PGA Tour effective immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This is enabled by the newly created “Returning Member Program” announced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension, considering Koepka’s significant recent achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time clearly defined opportunity, not a precedent, and the deadline is February 2. This may prompt reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, while causing discomfort within the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from capital equity in the PGA Tour Enterprises.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in LIV Golf League 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter the fifth season unchanged. DeChambeau has not announced a contract extension leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji will return to the PGA Tour at 62, utilizing an exemption from his career earnings ranking. He starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh competed on the PGA Tour Champions