First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to compete, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives during high-level competition, which was limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund. The decision not to play his final contracted season raises questions—did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation focuses on which tours Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly requiring a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, reduced significantly from a lifetime ban by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Reportedly, Koepka has formally applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player after 2022, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.
Update: It was confirmed that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, as well as the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This is enabled by a new ‘Returning Member Program’ that allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
A possible suspension would have expired in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for the new PGA Tour season in 2027, featuring approximately two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, which suits Koepka well. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would likely welcome a high-profile name like his. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing select major tournaments. The players’ directors and competition committee led by Tiger Woods reportedly support Koepka’s return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, and a majority of fans agree, according to a poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026 with his Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continuing unchanged for the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about internal agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable player apart from Koepka.
Vijay Singh, 62, Returns to PGA Tour
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji is back on the PGA Tour, using an exemption based on his career earnings rank. He will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh