First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine delivers exciting golf news.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains affiliated with the competing circuit but needs more time for family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated the decision was amicably agreed upon. However, questions linger about financial settlements and Koepka’s status as owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible perhaps after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension for his LIV participation is likely in place but could be reduced. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season. This timing fits well with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million events and limited fields for 2027, making for an ideal comeback opportunity. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka would return, likely playing select major events. The PGA Tour’s new Returning Member Program now permits select LIV players, including major winners like Koepka, to rejoin without penalty.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. He must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from FedEx Cup bonuses in 2026, and from investment programs for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially announced he will play the 2026 LIV Golf season with his Crushers team. No new contract extension was revealed, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain prominent LIV players after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour using his career money list exemption, competing at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. He has previously won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions.
TGL Faces Lower TV Ratings Without Tiger Woods
Without Tiger Woods, the second season launch ratings of the Tomorrow’s Golf League on ABC dropped significantly, down from 919,000 viewers in season one to 646,000, with interest waning further in subsequent matches. Organizers including Woods and Rory McIlroy seek a new major attraction to boost the league’s popularity.
Charley Hull to Launch YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s success with over three million subscribers, Charley Hull announced she will launch her own YouTube channel, \”The Sweet Spot,\” this summer, sharing insights and entertainment in her unique style.
Jason Day’s Cryptic Announcement
Jason