Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another run, Charley Hull soon 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns and to secure substantial retirement earnings, his skipping the final contracted season raises questions about potential buyouts or salary repayments. Despite this, he remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculations arise on where Koepka will next compete—DP World Tour, likely with immediate playing privileges but possibly a fine, or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies post his last LIV appearance. Notably, lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, from which he had not renewed after 2022.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Reapplied
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-ranked fields, ideal for his comeback. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome such a prominent name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, probably the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour leadership, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over sanctions and seem receptive; Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans apparently agree, as an informal \”Bunkered\” magazine poll suggests.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially announced he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, no general contract extension has been revealed for DeChambeau. Speculations swirl about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain this prominent and marketable LIV player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA at 62, Charley Hull to Launch YouTube Channel
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62 years old, using an exemption based on his career money list position, beginning with this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. The three-time major winner has five PGA Tour Champions titles, including the Senior Players Championship.