First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine brings the latest golf updates.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for his competitive nature at the highest level, has been less motivated at LIV events since joining in 2022, initially motivated by injury concerns and securing a retirement fund. Speculation surrounds his future playing venues, with potential appearances on the DP World Tour or a return to the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension is set to expire in August 2026. Recently, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka has formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour season which features a condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile return. Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism that Koepka will rejoin the PGA Tour, possibly playing selective top tournaments. PGA Tour leadership, including a committee led by Tiger Woods, and recommendations from Rory McIlroy support his reinstatement.
Update: Koepka is now officially eligible to play on the PGA Tour effective immediately. He is confirmed for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This was enabled by a new ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing selected LIV players to regain membership without suspension, considering recent major wins like Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship. The program is a one-time opportunity with a deadline of February 2 and does not guarantee future precedents, as stated by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. Koepka will donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund and faces restrictions excluding him from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and PGA Tour Enterprises capital participation for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Participation for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League with his Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continuing into their fifth season. However, no general contract extension was announced, stirring speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move as 62-year-old Vijay Singh returns to compete on the PGA Tour, using an exemption due to his career earnings ranking. He will start at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has previously won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Lower TV Ratings in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League is struggling with TV ratings without Tiger Woods, seeing a decline from 919,000 viewers during its premiere to just