First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka, the five-time major champion, has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh, choosing to spend more time with family while remaining connected to the competing circuit, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Speculation continues about where Koepka will compete next, with possibilities including the DP World Tour, which could welcome him immediately possibly with a penalty, or a return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension related to his LIV participation. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, from which he had not extended participation after 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, aligning Koepka for 2027 eligibility when the PGA Tour plans to roll out a new schedule of around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s eventual return, suggesting he might start with select events and then participate in major tournaments. Rory McIlroy also supports Koepka’s reinstatement without restriction. On Monday evening local time, news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, as well as the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This opportunity is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a special exception created for certain LIV players allowing reinstatement without suspension if they have recent major victories or Players Championship titles, as was the case with Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship. While Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, he is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and PGA Tour capital programs for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Participation in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026, leading the Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri into their fifth season. However, he did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain key LIV personalities after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh will return to the PGA Tour at age 62 using an exemption due to his career money list position. He will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles with TV Ratings Without Tiger Woods
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) has seen a significant drop in television viewership in its second season without Tiger Woods, who previously drove strong ratings. The season two opening day broadcast on ABC attracted only 646,000 viewers, down from 919,000 for the premiere season’s first day on ESPN. The second match drew just 354,000 viewers. Organizers including Woods, Rory McIlroy, and partner Mike Mc