Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and financial security, his skipping the last contracted season raises questions: did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed pay? Does he remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about which tour koepka will join next: DP World Tour where he would be eligible immediately (possibly with a penalty), or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally requested reinstatement to PGA Tour membership last Friday, aiming to rejoin the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — the ideal moment for a comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the overseers of the new top league, would welcome a star name like Koepka.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast ‘Subpar.’ \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he prefers, the big ones. If he can qualify for or participate in high-profile tournaments, he’ll play them.\” The PGA Tour’s leadership, players’ board, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods may pardon Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow him to play immediately. This movement also aligns with fan sentiment found in a non-representative ‘Bunkered’ poll.
DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable active player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh returning to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62. The Fijian utilizes an exemption based on his career money list position, starting at the Sony Open in Hawaii this