Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback at age 62, and Charley Hull is launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka announced his withdrawal from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutually friendly decision. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, seemed less motivated during his LIV tenure. He joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injuries and the prospect of securing a strong retirement fund, making the decision to skip the final contract year unsurprising. Questions linger about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay guaranteed money, and whether he remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
The big speculation remains where Koepka will next tee off. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty fee. On the PGA Tour, he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, as former lifetime bans have been softened. Why hold grudges when a returning high-profile LIV player benefits the PGA Tour backed by stronger leverage? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming for re-entry into the player ranks.
Koepka Prepares for PGA Tour Return
His potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. This positions Koepka well for the 2027 season, when the PGA Tour plans a compact schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, star-studded fields. This timing fits Koepka’s competitive nature perfectly and would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
Jon Rahm recently mentioned on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need a bit of time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play the minimum, participating in big events he prefers. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll take those, too.\” The player board, led by Tiger Woods, along with the competition committee, might be lenient on Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation that Koepka be allowed immediate play. A majority of fans appear supportive, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, heads into the fifth season without changes. Interestingly, DeChambeau hasn’t announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation behind the scenes about LIV’s efforts to retain its marquee players following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major