First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, and Charley Hull to launch her YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fierce competitor at the highest level, was less motivated in LIV and initially joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement sum. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay, and if he retains ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations grow about which tours Koepka will join next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly facing a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s original lifetime bans were softened, and now prominent LIV returnees like Koepka might benefit the PGA Tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested to reinstate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, aiming to rejoin the players’ ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August 2026, coinciding with the season finale Tour Championship, allowing Koepka to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited top fields. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return, likely playing the minimum and big events, supported by player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation. A fan survey by Bunkered magazine also shows majority support. Update: Koepka is now eligible immediately under the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension and is set to debut at the Farmers Insurance Open in January and the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will play in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into their fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a comprehensive contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the most marketable LIV player after Koepka.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at 62 years old. The three-time major champion from Fiji uses an exemption based on his career earnings ranking and will start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Scores Weak TV Ratings in Season Two Launch
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) faces challenges without Tiger Woods, whose appearances drove strong ratings in season one. The ABC broadcast of season two’s