Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour, Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. His move in 2022 was mainly motivated by injury concerns and securing a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds of guaranteed money, and whether the 35-year-old remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour grants immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or he could return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, following former commissioner Jay Monahan’s easing of lifetime bans. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership discontinued after 2022 and rejoin the playing group.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His team, the Crushers, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s current most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Makes PGA Tour Return at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62 years old. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses his career money ranking exemption and will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Low TV Ratings in Second Season Start
The Tomorrow’s Golf League struggled with TV ratings in season two’s opener; without Tiger Woods, interest has waned. ABC’s broadcast attracted only 646,000 viewers compared to 919,000 on ESPN in season one’s debut. The second match drew just 354,000 viewers. The league’s founders, including Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley, face the challenge of finding a new star to maintain momentum. Woods’ unmatched draw remains a tall order to replace, with McIlroy and Tom Kim yet to fill that role.
Charley Hull to Launch Own YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s success with over three million subscribers, Charley Hull will also start her own channel this summer. The charismatic English player and Malbon ambassador, known for her stylish edgy outfits, announced the initiative during an