Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected? Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, speculation is rife about where Koepka will appear next. He is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something that LIV offered only limitedly. Initially joining LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement payout, his skipping of the final contractual season raises questions about buyouts or paybacks. He also remains co-owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation intensifies around Koepka’s future tour presence. Will he play on the DP World Tour immediately, perhaps with a penalty? Or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension for his last LIV event? Previously lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his lapsed PGA Tour membership from 2022 and rejoin the player ranks.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will remain unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract renewal, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh, 62, returns to the PGA Tour. The three-time major champion from Fiji utilizes an exemption tied to his career earnings and will compete at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh has been active on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles with TV Ratings in Second Season
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) has seen weak TV ratings in its second season, especially without Tiger Woods. The ABC broadcast’s opening day attracted only 646,000 viewers compared to 919,000 during the first season premiere on ESPN. The second match between Atlanta and The Bay drew just 354,000 viewers. Woods’ appearances reliably boosted numbers in season one, and without him, the new high-tech simulator league struggles to maintain momentum. TGL founders Woods, Rory McIlroy, and partner Mike McCarley face the challenge of finding a new star attraction, as Woods remains unmatched in audience appeal.
Charley Hull Launching Her Own YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s success with over three million YouTube subscribers, Charley Hull, the outspoken English professional and Malbon ambassador, is launching her