Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive player who gets highly motivated and fired up during top-level competition, which the LIV offered only to a limited extent. Having joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns about his career ending and to secure a solid retirement payout, his decision not to play the contractually final season is not entirely surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or partial return of guaranteed money. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty payment? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, now significantly reduced from the original lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold grudges when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? This issue seems partly resolved. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, suspended after 2022, aiming to regain player status.
An existing ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, just as the PGA Tour plans a compressed schedule near two dozen $20 million events with highly competitive limited fields—ideal timing for a comeback. This move would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the organizers of the new top-tier league, welcoming another marketable star name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He will probably play at least the minimum, probably the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to marquee events, he will compete there, too.\” Perhaps Ponte Vedra Beach officials might overlook some formalities for a five-time major winner—the board, players’ directors, and Tiger Woods-chaired competition committee have influence on suspension issues and Rory McIlroy recommends promptly allowing Koepka back. Most fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative survey by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most prominent and marketable player after Koepka’s departure.