First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another run, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated they reached this agreement amicably. Koepka is a competitive personality who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 thinking his career might be ending due to injury, aiming to secure his retirement funds. Hence, his decision to forgo the final contracted year is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds. Koepka’s ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch, remains uncertain.
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will compete next: immediately eligible for the DP World Tour—possibly facing penalties? Or back on the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, a suspension greatly softened from previous lifetime bans? Why hold grudges when returning LIV players strengthen the PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with Phoenix Open participation already confirmed. This was made possible through the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship win, were key in this consideration. The PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stressed this opportunity, expiring February 2, is unique and sets no precedent. This development may impact other LIV players contemplating return and causes unease within LIV Golf. Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Commitment for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain intact for the fifth season. However, no general contract extension has been announced, sparking speculation about secret arrangements to retain top LIV talent following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses a career earnings exemption and plans to compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, securing five titles there, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Sees Low TV Ratings in Second Season Start
Without Tiger Woods, Tomorrow’s Golf League struggles with TV viewership. The second season’s