First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives under high-level competition, something he experienced less in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries and a desire to secure substantial retirement funds. His opting out of the final contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka also remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation continues around which tour Koepka will appear on next. He is eligible to play immediately on the DP World Tour, likely facing some penalty, or return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, as the former lifetime bans have been significantly softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and regain player status.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is now immediately eligible for 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 in Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was made possible by a new rule, the \”Returning Member Program,\” created recently to allow selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major, were taken into account. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years and is a one-time clear opportunity ending February 2. This move is likely to unsettle others like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and creates tension within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV are mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ investment program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will compete unchanged in the fifth season. However, no general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure. More details to come.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move: Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major champion from Fiji uses a career earnings exemption to compete and is set to start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has won five titles on the PGA