First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour, and Charley Hull plans her YouTube debut. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor, had limited motivation in LIV Golf and joined primarily in 2022 as he feared an early career end due to injury and sought a solid retirement fund. Questions linger over whether he had to buy out of his contract or repay part of his guarantee. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, potentially facing a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. However, longstanding bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan have been greatly softened. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and reintegrate into the player pool.
An impending suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the PGA Tour Championship’s conclusion. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, which features a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, star-studded fields — an ideal comeback scenario. This move is welcomed by investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, expected to manage the new top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently shared on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum events and probably the ones he likes — the big ones. If he qualifies or can enter high-profile tournaments, he will play those.\” The competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors, along with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to immediately reinstate Koepka, are expected to influence any suspension leniency. A Bunkered magazine poll indicates most fans support Koepka’s return.
Update: Koepka has now been reinstated for the PGA Tour effective immediately and is set to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was made possible by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Season 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League alongside teammates Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri. Though no general contract extension has been announced, speculation continues on internal negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable player post-Koepka.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprisingly, three-time major champion Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The F