First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka, the five-time major winner, has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. He remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor, was less motivated at LIV and initially joined mainly due to injury concerns and financial reasons. Questions remain about contract buyouts and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will join next – the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (perhaps with a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension was in place after his last LIV appearance. Reports from ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reveal Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour season, which features a compressed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events and limited fields, ideal for a comeback. PGA Tour investors would welcome his return.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return, likely playing selected major events. Discussions involve PGA Tour leadership, including Tiger Woods’ competition committee and player directors, who support Koepka’s reinstatement following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: It has come to pass: as of Monday evening local time, Koepka is eligible to compete immediately on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is confirmed.
A new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent PGA Championship win in 2023 was a key merit for this exception. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity and not a precedent.
Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and five years from the PGA Tour’s equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf season with his Crushers team. However, no general contract extension was announced, fueling speculation on future agreements behind the scenes.
Vijay Singh: Back on PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, using his career money list exemption. Singh, who has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship, starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii.