Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited on LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns to secure a good retirement fund. It raises questions about his compensation and ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start. Former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were eased. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Koepka reapplies for PGA Tour membership
His suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship end. He would be eligible in 2027 for the PGA’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited elite fields—a perfect re-entry opportunity. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a star of Koepka’s caliber. Jon Rahm recently stated on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka might start slowly but could play major events he prefers. The competition committee, led by Tiger Woods and including player directors, might waive the suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. A majority of fans appear supportive according to the magazine ‘Bunkered’.
Other highlights: DeChambeau, Singh, TGL and more
Bryson DeChambeau confirmed his 2026 LIV Golf participation with Crushers teammates Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri. No overall contract extension has been announced yet. Vijay Singh makes a surprising PGA Tour return at age 62 using a career earnings exemption, starting at the Sony Open in Hawaii after successful years on the PGA Tour Champions.
TGL (Tomorrow’s Golf League) ratings suffered without Tiger Woods in its second season opener, with only 646,000 viewers on ABC, down from 919,000 last year on ESPN. Organizers including Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley seek a new star to sustain interest.
Charley Hull’s YouTube channel announced; other news
Inspired by DeChambeau’s 3+ million followers, Charley Hull announced launching her own YouTube channel ‘The Sweet Spot’ this summer. Jason Day cryptically posted ‘I’ve quit’ on Instagram, causing speculation he might focus on ‘The Lads’ YouTube channel. Tom Phillips will become the new CEO of the Ladies European Tour starting April 6, aiming to grow the tour’s global reach and opportunities for women