Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes PGA return at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, had a limited spark with LIV. He initially joined in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns around his career’s end. Questions remain if Koepka had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. Despite stepping back, he still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation centers on where Koepka’s next appearances will be. He could join the DP World Tour immediately, perhaps paying a penalty, or seek re-entry to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, softened from earlier lifetime bans. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming for reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with exclusive fields—the ideal timing for his comeback. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would likely welcome a high-profile name like him.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka might initially play a minimal schedule, focusing on big events he prefers, and expects him to return. The player board and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, along with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately, might ease his return. Fan sentiment seems to support this, per a non-representative poll from ‘Bunkered’ magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation on internal agreements to retain the league’s prominent and marketable star following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62, using his career money list exemption to compete, beginning with the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Declining TV Ratings in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) struggles with TV ratings in its second season without Tiger Woods, who had drawn strong viewership in season one. ABC’s opener attracted only 646,