Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected? Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain associated with the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, had a lukewarm stint at LIV, originally joining in 2022 amid injury concerns and plans to secure his retirement funds. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed money. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch named the new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next: on the DP World Tour where he is eligible to play, possibly facing a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he currently serves a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. The essential question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, seeking re-entry to the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would end in August. Although that coincides with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a revamped schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring the best limited fields. An ideal time for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style, and attractive to PGA Tour Enterprises investors supporting this top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the events he enjoys, the big ones. If he qualifies or can participate in those top-level tournaments, he would play them.\” Possibly the PGA Tour might be lenient with a five-time major champion. Besides the board, players’ directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return. This view is shared by many fans, as a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine indicates.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will compete in the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation behind the scenes about retaining LIV’s most marketable active player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move: Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner