First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, and Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, considering Koepka’s competitive nature and his 2022 move to LIV amid injury concerns, this decision was expected though questions remain about contract details and his ownership of Smash GC. Speculation rages about his next playing destinations: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. Recent reports reveal Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
Such a suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season, but Koepka would be eligible to play in the PGA’s new high-profile 2027 schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — an ideal comeback timing. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka would return to play selectively, especially in big tournaments. The PGA Tour’s key decision-makers, including Tiger Woods leading the competition committee and player directors, might waive or ease suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return, a view shared by many fans based on a ‘Bunkered’ magazine survey.
Update: This became reality quickly; Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January as well as at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without penalty.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play the 2026 LIV Golf season, continuing with the Crushers alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri. Although no general contract extension was announced, the continuity keeps speculation alive about LIV’s future and DeChambeau’s status following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, utilizing an exemption based on his career earnings rank. He will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii after a successful run on the PGA Tour Champions, where he won five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles in Second Season Without Tiger Woods
The absence of Tiger Woods in the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) is severely impacting TV ratings. The opener of season two on ABC attracted only 646,000 viewers, down from 919,000 on ESPN last year. The second match drew even fewer viewers. Woods, Rory McIlroy, and partner Mike McCarley must find a new star to bring spark