Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh wants to give it another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit and high motivation at the highest level, has felt rather lukewarm about LIV competition. Koepka initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career ending soon and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he buy out of his contract or repay a portion of his guaranteed salary? Will he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch already named captain?
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s next playing grounds. Could he compete on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely paying a penalty? Or return to the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year ban after the last LIV event, following the significant reduction of former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans? Why hold grudges when any high-profile LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the playing ranks.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 PGA Tour Championship season finale August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 if the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule compressing nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with the most limited and strongest fields. The perfect moment for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely backing the new top league, would welcome another star name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or is invited to top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps a five-time major winner will be shown leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach—the player board and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say on bans and are rumored to follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s exit.