Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, set to begin on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain affiliated with the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injuries threatened his career and he sought solid retirement earnings. His skipping the last contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed pay? Does he remain the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour could welcome him immediately, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV participation, following a reduction of previous lifetime bans. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking to rejoin the players’ ranks.
Koepka Reapplies for PGA Tour Membership
Koepka’s potential suspension would lapse in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship. He would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises, the investors likely running the top-level league.
Jon Rahm recently speculated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or can enter high-profile events, he’d play those as well.\” The TIGER Woods-led competition committee along with tour directors hold sway over suspension decisions. Rory McIlroy favors allowing Koepka’s immediate return. A non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” shows most fans agree.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Start
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, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, no general contract extension was announced for DeChambeau. Speculation continues on possible behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s top marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Veteran Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: three-time major winner Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. The