Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf League start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another run, and Charley Hull is soon to launch her own 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 intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time with his family, according to a friendly mutual agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives at the highest competitive levels, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He initially moved to LIV in 2022 fearing his career might end due to injury and to secure a substantial retirement fund. With this context, skipping the final contractual season is understandable, although questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay. He Still owns his LIV team, Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations are growing about where Koepka will play next. He could join the DP World Tour immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event since former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans. If many LIV returnees strengthen the PGA, why be vindictive? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which expired after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player ranks.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour, which plans about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect relaunch moment, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely backers of the new top league, would certainly welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play a minimum, focusing on the big events he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments or gets invites, he would play those.\” Perhaps the PGA will be lenient with a five-time major champion; besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say on suspensions. Rory McIlroy recommends Koepka be allowed to compete immediately. A majority of fans support this view, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” survey.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri returns for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a broader contract extension, fueling speculation about negotiations behind the scenes to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.