Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel – The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed the amicable agreement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives at the highest level, was less motivated in LIV, having joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure retirement earnings. The waived final contract year raises questions: Did he buy out? Will he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next compete—DP World Tour where he is immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, although previous lifetime bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership terminated after 2022.
An eventual ban would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, perfectly timed with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of roughly two dozen $20-million events with limited elite fields. This suits Koepka’s preference and appeals to PGA Tour Enterprises investors seeking marketable stars.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, “He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gains entry, he will play those too.” It’s possible the competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors will overlook suspension for the five-time major champion, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka. Fans appear supportive, according to a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\”.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will remain intact into their fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a new general contract extension, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour at 62, using an exemption based on his career money list standing. He will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles with TV Ratings in Second Season
Tomorrow’s Golf League faces challenges without Tiger Woods, as opening day ratings