Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026; Vijay Singh aims for a PGA Tour comeback at 62; Charley Hull to launch her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from LIV Golf’s 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a highly competitive player, showed limited motivation at LIV and switched mainly for financial reasons in 2022 due to injury concerns. Questions remain whether he compensated LIV for his contract exit and if he retains ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could be eligible immediately potentially with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. Former long-term bans have been softened. Recent reports from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reveal Koepka formally requested reinstatement to PGA Tour membership last Friday, seeking to rejoin the players’ ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August 2026, coinciding with the season finale Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour season under a new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preference and would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast that he believes Koepka will return, likely playing minimum events and major tournaments he prefers. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods may show leniency, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete again. A fan survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine indicates majority support for Koepka’s return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirms he will compete in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact going into the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain him as a marquee LIV player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. Utilizing an exemption based on his career earnings ranking, Singh will play the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. He previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions with five titles, including the Senior Players Championship.
Additional Golf News and Developments
Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) is struggling with TV ratings in its second season, losing momentum without Tiger Woods. Charley Hull plans her own YouTube channel launch inspired by DeChambeau’s success. Jason Day cryptically announced quitting something, causing speculation about his future