First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine report. Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected with the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competitions, was less motivated in LIV events and switched mainly due to injury concerns and financial reasons backing his retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out of his contract or returned guarantees. He remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch. Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next—DP World Tour immediately eligible (possibly with a penalty) or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV start. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022. The suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season, allowing eligibility for 2027’s revamped PGA Tour with limited fields and high-value events. Jon Rahm predicts Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, at least for key events, and Rory McIlroy supports lifting Koepka’s suspension.
Update: Koepka’s immediate eligibility was confirmed Monday evening, allowing participation at the Farmers Insurance Open and the WM Phoenix Open. This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” permitting select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without penalty, acknowledging Koepka’s recent PGA Championship win in 2023. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this as a one-time exception expiring February 2, signaling challenges for other LIV players. Koepka must pay $5 million to the PGA Tour charity, is excluded from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and is barred from the PGA Tour’s capital participation program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV League Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his return to the LIV Golf League in 2026 with the Crushers team remaining unchanged. However, no overall contract extension was announced, raising questions about negotiations behind the scenes after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move as three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62, using an exemption based on his career money list position. Singh, previously with PGA Tour Champions, will start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week.
TGL Struggles Without Tiger Woods in Season Two
Without Tiger Woods, the Tomorrow’s Golf League faces declining TV ratings, with the opening day drawing 646,000 viewers on ABC compared to 919,000 in the inaugural season. The league’s founders, including Woods and Rory McIlroy, seek a new standout star to regain momentum, as Woods remains unmatched in drawing audience attention.
Charley Hull to Launch Own YouTube Channel