Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which commences February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was not as motivated during his LIV stint. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His opt-out of the final contracted season raises questions about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed earnings. It remains uncertain if Koepka retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation mounts about which tours Koepka will join next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were eased. This key question looks partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, and to rejoin the playing membership.
Such a potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027, just as the PGA Tour launches a packed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields and top players. This timing fits Koepka’s preferences perfectly and would be appealing for PGA Tour Enterprises investors behind the new league.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the Subpar podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or is eligible for the high-profile events, he would play them as well.\” There is speculation the PGA Tour, including its board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might ease Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let him play immediately. A majority of fans seem to share this view, according to an unscientific poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain unchanged for the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation about negotiations behind the scenes 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 Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses an exemption based on his career earnings rank and will play this week at the Sony Open