First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, and Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, was less motivated at LIV events. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out part of his contract or repay guaranteed money and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faced a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, though lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been eased. Why be vindictive when a high-profile LIV returnee benefits the stronger tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership.
Koepka’s potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 PGA Tour Championship ending August 30. He would be eligible for the 2027 season, which features a condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events and limited player fields—ideal for a Koepka comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll play those.\” Influential figures like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods’s competition committee might ease restrictions, supported by fan surveys, to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: The rumor became reality as news spread that Koepka is now immediately eligible on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This was enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation behind the scenes regarding retention of LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Back on PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62, leveraging an exemption based on his career earnings. He will play the Sony Open in