First start at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull launches 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit, needing more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a friendly agreement. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on top-level competition, had limited motivation at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a good retirement payout. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will compete next – DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible (possibly with a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, with previous lifetime bans softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka recently applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
Update: \”And maybe they turn a blind eye for a five-time major champion in Ponte Vedra Beach\” – exactly that happened. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January in Torrey Pines. Participation at the Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is also confirmed. This became possible thanks to a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players membership reinstatement without suspensions.
Koepka’s potential ban would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship Aug 27-30. He’d be eligible for 2027, which will feature a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top-player fields — an ideal time to return for Koepka. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely organizers of the new elite league, would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing select big events he prefers. The suspension committee, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may show leniency, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow him back. A fan poll by Bunkered magazine also favors Koepka’s return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain intact for the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements following Koepka’s withdrawal.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour, utilizing an exemption due to his career money ranking