First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, and Charley Hull launching her YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. Originally switching in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure retirement funds, his opting out of the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or paybacks. Despite this, Koepka remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will appear next: DP World Tour where he would be eligible to play immediately, possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, softened from a lifetime ban. This critical issue seems partially resolved as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—ideal timing for a comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another major star.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take some time but will return to the PGA Tour, playing selected big events. The PGA Tour’s competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors are likely supportive, along with majority fan opinion per a \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update: It happened: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will appear at the Farmers Insurance Open in January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This became possible through the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” that allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his 2026 participation in LIV Golf with his Crushers team unchanged. Notably, he has not announced an overall contract extension, fueling speculation behind the scenes after Koepka’s departure about retaining LIV’s most marketable star.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move as three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, using an exemption from his career money list position. Singh