First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something that was limited with LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022, due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary and whether he remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will join next: the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he previously faced a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, now significantly reduced. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement to the PGA Tour last Friday.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship, allowing Koepka to be eligible for the 2027 season featuring a condensed schedule with top-tier limited fields—a perfect time for his return. PGA Tour investors would welcome such a notable player joining the new top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return, suggesting he would play at least a minimum schedule, possibly focusing on major tournaments. The PGA Tour’s returning member program allows selected LIV players to regain membership without suspension, a provision Koepka benefited from due to his major achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship. However, Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and barred from certain PGA Tour equity programs for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026 with his Crushers team unchanged from previous seasons. No general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation about negotiations behind the scenes.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprisingly, Vijay Singh is making a PGA Tour return at age 62, using an exemption based on his career earnings ranking. He will debut again at this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii, having previously found success on the PGA Tour Champions with five titles.
Tomorrow’s Golf League Faces Declining TV Ratings
The second season of the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) started with weaker TV ratings without Tiger Woods, who previously ensured strong viewer numbers. ABC’s opening day drew only 646,000 viewers compared to 919,000 on ESPN during season one. The league’s founders, including Woods and Rory McIlroy, need to find a new star attraction to maintain momentum.