Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives in top-level competition, appeared less motivated in LIV. Originally switching to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career’s end and to secure a solid retirement fund, his skipping the final contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, recently led by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka might next tee off: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to play, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance due to the greatly softened lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a big name, benefits the more powerful tour? This crucial question partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking to return to the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s close via the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect time for his comeback. This would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely backers of the new elite league, adding a marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, I guess, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gains entry to high-profile events, he’ll play them.\” Perhaps Polo Vedra Beach will show leniency toward a five-time major winner, as the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence—with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka be allowed to play immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to an informal survey by \”Bunkered.\”
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he’ll compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.