Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected? Brooks Koepka has reportedly withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which was somewhat limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns, aiming to secure a substantial retirement fund. Skipping the contractually obligated final season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation now centers on which tour Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour could grant immediate eligibility, possibly requiring a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the already stronger PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement to the player roster.
Koepka Reapplies for PGA Tour Membership
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. However, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour implements a condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect opportunity for a comeback preferred by Koepka himself. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s operators, would welcome another high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes—the big ones. If he can qualify or get into high-profile events, he’ll play those, too.\” It is possible that the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner like Koepka. Besides the board, players’ directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold influence over suspension decisions—following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s prompt return. This view is shared by a majority of fans according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His team, the Crushers, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact going