First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for more, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive player who thrives in high-level competition, struggled to find motivation with LIV. He switched in 2022 primarily due to injuries and to secure a retirement fund. It is not surprising he skipped the final contractual season, though questions remain about financial settlements and his ownership stake in LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible likely with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension post-LIV following softened lifetime bans. Insider reports from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reveal Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022, seeking readmittance.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour is set to launch a new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—timing likely ideal for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might ease back, playing select majors he favors, potentially gaining full tournament access. The decision involves multiple PGA Tour leaders and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, alongside player representatives. Rory McIlroy endorses Koepka’s immediate return, echoed by a majority of fans in a non-scientific \”Bunkered\” poll.
Update: The speculation became fact as Koepka was granted immediate PGA Tour eligibility and is confirmed to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also set. This was enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League’s 2026 season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into their fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a contract extension, fueling speculation about internal negotiations to retain the league’s most marketable star after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Back on PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62, using an exemption based on his career earnings ranking. The three-time major champion from Fiji will compete in this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions and claimed five titles, including the Senior