Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 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 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 is a competitor who thrives in top-level contests but showed limited motivation in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries threatened his career end, seeking a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain: did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed paycheck? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would welcome him immediately—likely with a penalty—or possibly the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. The former commissioner had initially issued lifetime bans that were later softened. Allowing prominent LIV returnees to rejoin the PGA Tour benefits the established circuit. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after his 2022 contract ended.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship ending on August 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top-flight fields. Perfect timing for Koepka’s comeback and appealing for investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s operators.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll probably play a minimum, focusing on the big tournaments he likes. Qualifying or receiving invitations to high-profile events would see him participate fully.\” Possibly, the PGA leadership, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will ease Koepka’s suspension. Rory McIlroy supports his immediate return, aligning with a fan survey by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continues into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji utilizes an exemption based on his career money list position and will play at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh has played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the