Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 return, Vijay Singh rejoining PGA Tour, and Charley Hull launching a 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, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure significant retirement earnings. Thus, skipping his last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or partial paybacks. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
There is much speculation about where Koepka will next compete. He is immediately eligible to play on the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or could seek to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. Unlike the previous lifetime bans, the suspension was softened under former commissioner Jay Monahan. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Reapplication and Future Prospects
The potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship finale. He would be eligible for the PGA Tour’s revamped 2027 schedule, featuring under two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s style perfectly and would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors looking for marquee names.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, playing selected events he enjoys—including the majors. The player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspension decisions, with Rory McIlroy reportedly supporting Koepka’s immediate return. Fan sentiment appears largely in favor, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\”.
DeChambeau, Singh, TGL, and Charley Hull News
Bryson DeChambeau has confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026, remaining with the Crushers alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri for their fifth season, though without announcing a formal contract extension.
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour, using his career money list exemption to start at this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. He comes from the PGA Tour Champions, where he won five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) has seen weak TV ratings in its second season without Tiger Woods, with only 646,000 viewers on ABC’s season opener compared to 919,000 on ESPN last year, raising concerns about sustaining momentum.
Charley Hull is launching a YouTube channel