First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain linked to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, known as a competitive type, has been less motivated at LIV, having joined in 2022 mainly for financial security during injury concerns. Questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds and whether he remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next — DP World Tour, where he might compete immediately possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after prior life bans were reduced. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, sidelined since 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season including the Tour Championship from August 27-30. This timing suits a 2027 PGA Tour return under a new schedule featuring almost two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields — ideal for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome a star like him.
Jon Rahm has expressed confidence that Koepka will return, likely starting with major events and gradually playing more. The PGA Tour competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors, including Rory McIlroy who supports Koepka’s immediate return, influence suspension decisions.
Update: Koepka is now eligible to play immediately on the PGA Tour and is scheduled for the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open also confirmed. This comes under the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” which allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, recognizing Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp notes it’s a one-time opportunity valid until February 2, with no precedent set.
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 capital participation plan.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026, with his Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continuing unchanged into the fifth season. However, no general contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation on behind-the-scenes arrangements following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move: three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, using an exemption due to his career money list position. He is set to start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has won