First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive athlete who thrives in high-level competition, something LIV Golf only partially provided. He initially joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns to secure his retirement fund, so his opting out of the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyout terms and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are growing about where Koepka will next play—DP World Tour where he could be immediately eligible, likely with penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance following the softening of previously lifetime bans. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming for reinstatement to the player roster.
Update: The news spread quickly Monday night that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a newly created rule last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s outstanding merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory—the fifth major—were key factors.
The PGA Tour statement specifies this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. It is a unique opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases, according to CEO Brian Rolapp. This development likely impacts players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is relatively mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from FedEx Cup bonus system in 2026, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises capital participation plan.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues unchanged into its fifth season. DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh, 62, Returns to the PGA Tour
In a surprising move, triple major winner Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. Using an exemption based on his career earnings ranking, he will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship