Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf League start for 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another run, and Charley Hull is soon launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. Koepka, known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, showed limited motivation at LIV. He joined LIV predominantly in 2022 when injury threatened his career’s end, securing a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is no surprise, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed earnings? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch captain?
Speculations abound about Koepka’s next fairways. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension would apply since his last LIV appearance, after life bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the established Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship’s conclusion on August 27–30, 2026. Koepka would then be eligible to compete in 2027 as the PGA Tour adopts a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields. The perfect comeback timing, in Koepka’s view. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another big name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets into high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Moreover, a five-time major champion might get leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach. Besides the board, player directors and the competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, have a say in suspensions, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to let Koepka play again. According to a non-representative ‘Bunkered’ magazine poll, most fans agree.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues unchanged into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s currently most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.