First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time with his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contract year is therefore unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or guarantee repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, potentially facing a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previously lifetime bans were softened. It appears the question is partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, with confirmed participation at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is made possible by the newly created “Returning Member Program” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for the future.
Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and five years out of the PGA Tour’s equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into the fifth season. Surprisingly, he announced no general contract extension, which fuels speculation on negotiations behind the scenes following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour, leveraging his career money list exemption. The three-time major winner from Fiji will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
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The Tomorrow’s