Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion stays connected to the competitor circuit but requires more family time. This decision was amicably agreed upon, according to official statements by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives under high-level challenges, found limited motivation in LIV. He switched mostly in 2022 due to injury fears and to secure his retirement funds. Thus, skipping his last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain, such as whether he had to repay part of his guarantee or remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculations abound regarding where Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a fine. The PGA Tour, however, enforces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, though previous lifetime bans have been significantly softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the longer-established Tour? This key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally reapplied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership from its 2022 expiration and to rejoin the player pool.
Koepka Prepares for PGA Tour Return with Membership Reapplied
Koepka’s potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship ending August 27-30. He would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. The timing fits Koepka’s preferences perfectly and would appeal to investors of the new top league, PGA Tour Enterprises.
Jon Rahm recently remarked on the podcast “Subpar” that Koepka may need time but is likely to return to the PGA Tour, possibly playing selected big events initially. The decision-makers at Ponte Vedra Beach, including the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may grant leniency following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement. A majority of fans appears to support this, 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 continue unchanged into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation behind the scenes to retain this marquee LIV player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major champion Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. Hailing from Fiji’s Viti Levu, Singh uses a career earnings exemption and will play the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. He has claimed five