Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour, Charley Hull launches a 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion wishes to stay connected to competing circuits but needs more family time. This amicable decision, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, leaves many questions unanswered. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, was less motivated within LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 anticipating an early career end due to injuries and sought a substantial retirement fund. It’s unsurprising he avoided his last contracted season, though questions remain on financial settlements and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about Koepka’s future fairways—whether the DP World Tour where he is eligible immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV event still applies after lifetime bans were reduced. A key question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday, aiming to rejoin the players’ circle.
Koepka reapplies for PGA Tour membership
The possible suspension expires in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, elite fields—ideal timing for his return. This move would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors, anticipated to lead this top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently remarked on the podcast \”Subpar,\” \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, maybe the big tournaments he enjoys. If he can qualify or gets invited to top events, he’ll play them.\” Moreover, the players’ directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who have a say on suspensions, likely support Koepka’s reinstatement following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement. Fans appear largely in favor as well, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered.\”
DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact heading into its fifth year. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at 62 years old. The Fijian leverages an exemption based on his career earnings ranking and will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii