First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, as per LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, many speculate about Koepka’s future playing grounds following his formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach. This move suggests Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour, potentially bypassing a one-year suspension due to the recently introduced Returning Member Program, allowing selected LIV players reinstatement without bans.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Renewed Without Suspension
Koepka’s suspension is expected to expire in August 2026, concluding the season with the Tour Championship. The PGA Tour’s new schedule focusing on about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields could be the perfect return platform for Koepka in 2027. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a star addition. Jon Rahm recently expressed in the \”Subpar\” podcast his belief that Koepka will return and participate selectively in tournaments he prefers, including major events. With input from Tiger Woods’ competition committee and player directors, and following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, Koepka’s immediate return was facilitated by the Returning Member Program, acknowledging his sporting achievements such as the 2023 PGA Championship win.
As part of Koepka’s return conditions, he must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund, will be excluded from the FedEx Cup bonus system for 2026, and barred from the capital equity program for five years. These lenient measures contrast with previous harsh penalties for LIV defectors, creating debates within the golf community.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will compete in their fifth season together. However, no general contract extension announcement was made, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain prominent LIV players following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh is making a PGA Tour comeback at 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses an exemption based on his career earnings ranking and is set to play in the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, capturing five titles, including the Senior Players Championship.
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) struggles with ratings in its second season without Tiger Woods, dropping to 646,000 viewers on ABC from 919,000 the previous year, indicating a need for new star attractions. Charley Hull will soon launch her own YouTube channel \”The Sweet Spot,\” inspired by fellow pro Bryson DeChambeau’s success