Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, and Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf season 2026 starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, has been only moderately motivated on LIV. He famously joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement payout. Thus, his decision to skip the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next — possibly the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, perhaps with a fine, or back on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following the significant easing of formerly lifetime bans by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why remain vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the longer-established tours? This key question seems partially answered now. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s current most prominent and marketable figure 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, leveraging an exemption based on his career money list position. The three-time major champion from Fiji starts at this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has been active on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL’s Struggling TV Ratings in Second Season
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) suffers weak TV ratings without Tiger Woods, whose appearances drove top numbers in season one. The second season’s opening day on ABC drew only 646,000 viewers, down from 919,000 viewers for the premiere on ESPN. The second match attracted a mere 354,000 fans. TGL founders Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley face the challenging task of finding a new star attraction, as Woods remains unrivaled in drawing interest. McIlroy and Woods’ teammate Tom Kim currently perform at best as supporting acts.