Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a friendly mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV Golf. He initially joined in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. Koepka remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka will rejoin—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after lifetime bans were softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when PGA Tour launches a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields—a perfect time for his return that suits his style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely to lead the new top league, would welcome another high-profile name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will 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 is invited to top-level events, he will play those as well.\” The suspension decision involves the PGA board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who along with Rory McIlroy favors allowing Koepka to play immediately. Fans also seem supportive according to a non-representative survey by ‘Bunkered’ magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact for the fifth season. Interestingly, no general contract extension was announced, suggesting behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain one of LIV’s most prominent and marketable players after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, using his career money list exemption. The three-time major champion