Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull announces YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? As known, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays linked to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which was limited in LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 fearing an early end to his career due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contractual season is understandable, though questions remain about buyouts or guaranteed paybacks. He remains owner of the LIV Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations rise about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour with likely immediate eligibility (possibly with penalty), or the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after life bans were softened. Why be vengeful when prominent LIV returnees benefit the longtime dominant Tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after not renewing post-2022.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue unchanged into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s top marketable player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprise move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major champion from Fiji uses his career earnings exemption to compete, starting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
Other golf news
Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) second season opener saw weak TV ratings without Tiger Woods, drawing 646,000 viewers on ABC compared to 919,000 on ESPN last year. TGL founders Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley seek a new star to boost appeal.
Charley Hull announced her upcoming YouTube channel “The Sweet Spot,” inspired by DeChambeau’s success on the platform with 3 million subscribers. The 29-year-old Malbon ambassador from England will launch in summer.
Jason Day hinted at quitting, sparking speculation. The 38-year-old Australian has not indicated quitting PGA Tour but might focus full-time on the YouTube channel “The Lads,” which he launched recently.
Leadership changes in golf
Tom Phillips will become the new CEO of the Ladies European