First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh back on PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less engaged in LIV due to injury-shortened career plans and financial considerations. Questions linger about whether he had to buy out the last contract year or repay part of the guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension for recent LIV appearances is in effect but has been relaxed after initial lifetime bans. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach recently reported Koepka submitted formal application to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, making a return to the playing field at the highest level.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited strong fields—the perfect timing for his comeback. Jon Rahm recently suggested Koepka would return, playing favorite, high-profile events and that the PGA Tour competition committee led by Tiger Woods, along with player directors, may ease the suspension following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: As anticipated, Koepka is reinstated immediately to the PGA Tour with entries confirmed for the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour without suspension, considering their recent major and Players Championship wins, such as Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship.
The PGA Tour states this is a unique opportunity expiring February 2, with no precedent for future cases, according to CEO Brian Rolapp. The announcement impacts other LIV players and stirs concerns within LIV Golf. Koepka must also donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from FedEx Cup and capital programs in 2026.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Start
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues into its fifth season. However, no general contract extension has been announced, leaving room for speculation on behind-the-scenes negotiations following Koepka’s departure from LIV.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major champion Vijay Singh will return to the PGA Tour at 62, using a career earnings exemption. He will