Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a surprising PGA return, Charley Hull plans a YouTube debut. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil, describing the agreement as amicable. Koepka, known to thrive in high-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns about his career’s end. His opting out of the final contract year is unsurprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife on where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour, where he might be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after former commissioner Jay Monahan eased lifetime bans. This critical question seems partially answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his non-renewed PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship, but Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of around two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields — a perfect timing for his comeback. Such a star would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors likely supporting this new top league.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take some time but is expected to return. He may play a minimum and selected big events, and if qualifying for others, would participate. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee reportedly have influence over suspensions and may heed Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately. Polls suggest fans also favor this move.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf for 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation on off-camera negotiations aimed at retaining the league’s most marketable active player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Makes PGA Tour Return at 62
Surprisingly, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. Using an exemption based on his career money list position, he will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh recently played on the PGA Tour Champions, securing five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
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