Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf League start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback on the PGA Tour at age 62, and Charley Hull is set to launch her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine brings you the latest golf updates.
It’s expected that Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, beginning February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains affiliated with the competing circuit but will take more time for family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. Koepka, known as a competitive spirit who thrives in high-level tournaments, showed less motivation playing LIV events. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure financial stability before retirement. Questions remain whether Koepka had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds as to where Koepka will appear next: the DP World Tour, where he could instantly compete—possibly paying a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance remains after previous lifetime bans were significantly reduced by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges, since every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming for reinstatement.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 PGA Tour season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields—an ideal time for his return. Such a prominent name would appeal greatly to PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely spearheading the new top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need time but will return to the PGA Tour, probably playing a minimum schedule including his favorite major events. If qualifying for other top tournaments, he would participate as well. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, influenced by Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to allow Koepka immediate activity, might waive suspensions. A \”Bunkered\” magazine fan poll also suggests majority support for Koepka’s return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially announced he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged entering their fifth season. He did not announce a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation behind the scenes about negotiations to retain one of LIV’s most marketable stars after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Vijay Singh makes a surprising comeback on the PGA Tour at 62, using an exemption based on his career money list position. The three-time major champion