Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
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 family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, has lacked motivation at LIV. His 2022 move to Saudi Arabia was mainly due to injury concerns and securing a strong retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and if he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation swirls about Koepka’s next playing fields. Will he join the DP World Tour where he’s immediately eligible, possibly with penalties? Or return to the PGA Tour, where he currently serves a one-year suspension after his last LIV event following eased life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? It seems the question is partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual ban would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect time for his comeback, aligning with his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently told the Subpar podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and likely the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will overlook Koepka’s suspension, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow his immediate return. A majority of fans seem to agree, as a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine shows.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not publicly extended his contract, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh, the three-time major champion from Fiji, is back on the PGA Tour at 62. Utilizing an exemption tied to his career money ranking, Singh will play the Sony Open in Hawaii this