Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has reportedly withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, a decision reportedly made amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level contests, showed limited motivation in LIV. His 2022 switch to the Saudi-backed league was largely due to injury concerns near career end and securing a solid retirement fund. Skipping the last contractually required season is thus not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or paybacks. He also retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation swirls over which fairways Koepka will next appear on—DP World Tour with immediate eligibility likely subject to penalties, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation after original lifetime bans were eased. The key question partially answered as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally reapplied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Reapplication
Any suspension would expire in August aligning with the 2026 Tour Championship’s August 27-30 conclusion. Koepka would thus be eligible to play on PGA Tour’s revamped schedule of about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, elite fields in 2027—a perfect comeback timing suiting his preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league would certainly welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm expressed confidence recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify or is invited to high-profile events, he would play those too.\” The player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension decisions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate return. Majority fan sentiment appears supportive, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” survey.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Start
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League’s 2026 season with his Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri entering their fifth consecutive year. However, no full contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh will return to the PGA Tour at age 62, using an exemption due to his career earnings rank. The three-time major champion from Fiji will compete at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week after winning five titles on the PGA Tour