Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes PGA Tour comeback at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil officially stated the decision was amicable. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level contests, showed limited motivation at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns, seeking substantial retirement earnings. His opting out of the final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or repay some guaranteed fees? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows on which tours Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would immediately grant playing rights, possibly for a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following reduction of earlier lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. It makes sense not to be vindictive as LIV returnees benefit the already dominant PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which expired post-2022, aiming to rejoin the player ranks.
Any suspension would end by August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring approximately two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields — perfect timing for a comeback suited to his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a prominent name like Koepka.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recent Subpar podcast guest Jon Rahm said. \”He’ll likely play a minimum number of events, probably his favorite big tournaments. If he qualifies to play more elite events, I think he would.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, alongside star Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete again, may ease restrictions. A fan survey by Bunkered suggests majority support this view.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged entering the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce an overall contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Makes PGA Tour Return at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. Using an exemption based on his career earnings rank, the Fijian golfer is set to compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has claimed five titles on the PGA