First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull heads to YouTube. The Back Nine brings you the latest in golf news.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level sports challenges, was less motivated at LIV. He switched in 2022 primarily for financial reasons due to injury concerns about his career’s longevity. Questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about Koepka’s next tour: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year ban from his last LIV appearance, after lifetime suspensions were softened. Why be punitive when LIV returnees benefit the PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
An eventual ban would end in August, after which the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome his return.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the big events he likes. If he qualifies or can enter more top-level tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” With player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee holding discretion over bans, and Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return, the majority of fans appear supportive, according to a Bunkered magazine survey.
Update: As rumored, Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. He’s also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is possible due to the new ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing certain LIV players to regain membership without a ban.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf 2026 season with the Crushers team unchanged, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri. However, no general contract extension was announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain him following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Back on PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62 using his career money list exemption, starting this week at the Sony Open in