Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull is soon to join YouTube. 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. This amicable agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type motivated by top-level sport challenges, which he felt was limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 when facing career-ending injuries and to secure a retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. The 35-year-old still owns his LIV team, Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about Koepka’s next playing fields. DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a reduction of lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vengeful when LIV returnees benefit the dominant tour? This question seems partly answered: According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus since 2022.
An eventual suspension expires in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027’s schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback moment suited to his preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the podcast ‘Subpar.’ \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he likes, especially majors. If he qualifies or is invited, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, some leniency is expected from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, per a non-representative poll by ‘Bunkered’ magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter their fifth season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements aiming to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji is using his career earnings exemption and will play the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, where he won