First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s friendly agreement statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, had limited motivation in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns. Questions remain about whether he paid back guarantees or remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, since former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened. The key question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field.
Update: The rumor proved true—Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This became possible through the new Returning Member Program, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
Koepka’s potential ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship. He would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited fields, an ideal comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum, including majors and tournaments he enjoys. If qualified or invited, he may play more.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and a Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, appear ready to permit Koepka’s immediate return. Fans also mostly support this, per a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf in 2026 with the Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri intact. However, DeChambeau has not publicly extended his contract, sparking speculation about negotiations following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour utilizing an exemption based on career earnings, teeing off this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
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