Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains affiliated with the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was stated amicably by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who gets motivated by the highest-level sports contests, which the LIV has not fully provided. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing an early end to his career due to injury and to secure a solid retirement income. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or refunds. Despite stepping away, the 35-year-old is still owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour would offer immediate eligibility, likely with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his LIV appearances, as previous lifetime bans were eased. Returning to the PGA Tour could benefit both Koepka and the established tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ group.
A suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — an ideal return moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another major star.
\”He may need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He would likely play at least the minimum, focusing on big tournaments he enjoys. If he then qualifies or receives invites for major events, he’d play those too.\” Reports suggest the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, as well as fans, might be open to easing Koepka back in, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri is set for the fifth season unchanged. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major champion Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour, using an exemption based on his career earnings rank. He plans to compete starting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has five wins on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.