First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined in 2022 mainly to secure financial stability due to injury concerns. The waiver of his final contract year raises questions about possible buyout or repayment and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises about which tour Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. Recent developments indicate Koepka formally applied to reinstate his 2022-terminated PGA Tour membership last Friday, aiming to return to the player field.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the season. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million events with limited top-tier fields—a perfect return opportunity. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another high-profile player.
Jon Rahm recently expressed belief Koepka would return, likely participating selectively in big tournaments. The PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program now enables select LIV players, including Koepka, to rejoin without suspension, considering his sporting merits like the 2023 PGA Championship win. The one-time chance ends February 2. Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million charity donation and exclusion from FedEx Cup bonuses and equity programs for several years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Season
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season with his Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri. However, no general contract extension was announced, leaving room for speculation about internal agreements following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh, Age 62, Returns to PGA Tour
Surprisingly, Vijay Singh is making a PGA Tour return at 62, utilizing a career money list exemption starting at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh, a three-time major winner, has been active mainly on the PGA Tour Champions, securing five titles including the Senior Players Championship.