First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. It’s no surprise he declines the last contractual season though questions remain about any buyout or guarantee repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation rises on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he’s likely immediately eligible perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened life bans. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a star, benefits the longer-established tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
Update: It happened as expected. Monday evening news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday that allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were duly considered.
The PGA Tour states this special exemption applies to major and Players winners from the last three years and ends February 2. \”This is a unique, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This may give pause to Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause concern within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and five years from PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact entering their fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements post-Koepka to retain LIV’s marquee player. More details expected soon.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at 62. The