Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season that starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This decision was reportedly made amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive athlete who thrives on high-level competition, which he struggled with at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 as he feared career-ending injuries, Koepka aimed to secure financial stability for retirement. Thus, skipping his last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or wage repayments. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation runs high about which tours Koepka will soon appear on. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, likely with a fine. On the PGA Tour, a one-year suspension remains from his last LIV event; this ban was reduced from the lifetime ban imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Such leniency benefits the PGA Tour, welcoming back prominent LIV returnees. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally reapplied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka will return: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for other high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspension decisions. Rory McIlroy advocates for Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans appear to agree, according to an informal \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension. Speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements after Koepka’s exit surrounds the league’s efforts to retain its marquee and most marketable player. More news to come.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major champion Vijay Singh, aged 62, returns to the PGA Tour. The Fijian uses an exemption