First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh, choosing to stay connected to the rival circuit but needing more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated the decision was made amicably. Koepka is known as a competitor who feeds off high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement payout. Questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he could play immediately likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following softened lifetime bans. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to have his PGA Tour membership reactivated.
An eventual suspension ends in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events and limited fields—a perfect comeback opportunity. PGA Tour investors would certainly welcome a name of Koepka’s stature.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast he expects Koepka’s return, likely playing selective big events. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway on suspension matters, with Rory McIlroy advocating immediate reintegration for Koepka.
Update: Koepka is now reinstated with immediate effect and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This follows the creation of the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing certain LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour without penalty, honoring recent major and Players Championship winners like Koepka. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time clearly defined opportunity ending February 2, with no precedent set. This move may make other LIV players reconsider and causes unrest within LIV Golf.
Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and the PGA Tour’s equity program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026 with his Crushers team unchanged. However, no general contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh, 62, Returns to PGA Tour
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62, using his career money list exemption. He will start at the Sony