First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV primarily to secure a prosperous retirement amid injury concerns. Thus, skipping the final contract year is not surprising though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guarantees. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next. DP World Tour membership could be immediately reinstated, likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour play post a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. The lifetime bans once imposed have been softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership terminated in 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 for the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, a perfect comeback scenario. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, saying Koepka might gradually return to the PGA Tour, playing select favorite big events and major tournaments as he qualifies. Influential voices, including Rory McIlroy, support an immediate return despite suspension, and fan sentiment broadly agrees per a ‘Bunkered’ magazine poll.
Update: \”Perhaps an exception will be made for a five-time major winner at Ponte Vedra Beach\” — this became reality. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This is enabled by the newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into the fifth season. However, no general contract extension was announced, leaving room for speculation on internal agreements to retain the league’s marquee players after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
Surprisingly, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62. Using his career earnings exemption, he starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the