Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine continues.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, which LIV did not fully satisfy. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure retirement earnings. It raises questions about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay guarantees, and if he remains owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds which tour Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following the reduction of previous lifetime bans. Officially, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Koepka Prepares Return to PGA Tour
Koepka’s suspension could end this August, just as the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship. He would then be eligible for the revamped PGA Tour schedule in 2027, featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a high-profile name like Koepka. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return, likely playing selected big tournaments and possibly benefiting from leniency for a five-time major champion as recommended by Rory McIlroy and overseen by the Tiger Woods-led committee. A majority of fans appear supportive according to a non-representative survey 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 the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, no general contract extension has been announced, leading to speculation about the league’s strategy to retain its marquee players after Koepka.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The Fijian uses an exemption based on career earnings and will play the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh has previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles, including the Senior Players Championship.