Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start 2026, Vijay Singh makes PGA Tour comeback, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly mutually agreed. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, Koepka is a competitor who gets motivated and fired up mainly in top-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. Koepka originally joined LIV in 2022 mostly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his decision not to fulfill the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to pay back part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about the fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate playing privileges, likely with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly eased. Why be vengeful when high-profile LIV returnees can benefit the power-holding PGA Tour? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be reinstated as a tour player.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour implements a new condensed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields. This would be an ideal re-entry moment, aligning with Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll likely at least play the minimum and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets in, he’ll play those too.\” There is talk of leniency for the five-time major winner at Ponte Vedra Beach, as voting on suspensions involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play. A majority of fans also seem supportive, according to a non-representative poll by ‘Bunkered’ magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension. Speculation continues about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most prominent and marketable player after Koep