Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV debut in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of 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, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives on top-level competition, showed less enthusiasm playing LIV. He switched in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contract year is not surprising, though some questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next—potentially on the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to compete immediately, possibly with a penalty, or back on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, following the easing of the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. It seems the key question is partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would then be eligible to compete in 2027, when the PGA Tour launches a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—an ideal moment for his return, fitting his preferences. This would also appeal to investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely heading the new top-tier league, eager to add a big-name star.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes—the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events or gets invited, he would play those too.\” Furthermore, the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee reportedly have influence on the suspension matter, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka be allowed to compete immediately. A majority of fans also seem supportive, according to a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will join the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will stay unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to keep the most marketable LIV player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
Surprising move: Vijay Singh will return to the PGA Tour at age 62, using