Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV 2026 start, Vijay Singh aims for PGA return at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit at the highest level, gained limited motivation with LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he thought his career was nearing an end due to injuries and sought a substantial retirement fund. Skipping his final contractual season raises questions: Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed payment? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has made Talor Gooch the new captain?
Most speculation centers on where Koepka will play next. He could join the DP World Tour, likely with an immediate playing right but possibly with a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance. Previously imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why hold grudges when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the already dominant PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka filed formal paperwork last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship finishing August 27-30. Koepka could compete fully in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring elite limited fields — an ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to top events, he’d probably play them too.\” The player directors and competition committee led by Tiger Woods have a say in suspensions, and Rory McIlroy recommends letting Koepka play immediately. A fan survey by Bunkered magazine supports this majority view.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter their fifth season unchanged. However, BDC has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable active star after Koepka.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji will return to the PGA Tour at 62. Utilizing an exemption based on his career earnings rank, he will start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh previously played the PGA Tour