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 opted out for the 2026 season of the LIV Golf League starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion stays connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil officially stated this was a mutual decision. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, showed limited enthusiasm during his time at LIV. In 2022, he primarily joined LIV motivated by injury setbacks and the prospect of securing his retirement financially. Given this, it is not surprising he declined his final contract year, though questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, where Talor Gooch has already been named captain.
Speculation arises about which tours Koepka will play next. He is eligible on the DP World Tour immediately, likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance applies, following a reduction of previously imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when each LIV returnee strengthens the longer-established Tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally reapplied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka could then compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s newly condensed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would appeal to investors backing PGA Tour Enterprises, likely owners of the new elite league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in the podcast Subpar. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and, why not, the big events he enjoys. If he qualifies or gets into premier tournaments, he’d definitely play them.\” There might even be leniency for the five-time major winner at Ponte Vedra Beach — suspension decisions involve the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return. This view aligns with a majority of fans, based on a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 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 remains intact for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements aimed at retaining him as the league’s most marketable active player after Koepka’s departure.