Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a PGA comeback at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from LIV Golf’s 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, known for his competitive drive at the highest level, showed limited motivation during his LIV stint. He had joined LIV in 2022 after fearing his career end due to injuries and wanted to secure a good retirement fund. This explains his choice to forego the final contracted season, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he could be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why be vindictive when prominent LIV returnees benefit the Tour holding the upper hand? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation on behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour, utilizing an exemption based on his career earnings ranking. He is set to compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL struggles with TV ratings in season two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) started season two with weak TV ratings without Tiger Woods, who had drawn top audiences in season one. ABC drew only 646,000 viewers for the opener, compared to 919,000 on ESPN in the premiere season. Subsequent matches attracted even less interest. TGL founders Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley urgently seek a new star to maintain momentum.
Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s lead with over three million subscribers, English Malbon ambassador Charley Hull, known for her flamboyant style, announced plans to start her own YouTube channel this summer titled \”The Sweet Spot.\” She revealed this on the YouTube channel \”The Lads