Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, and Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking on LIV. He initially joined in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to pay a buyout or return part of the guaranteed salary? Will the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, already captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation mainly centers on which tours Koepka will compete next. He is immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly subject to penalties, or on the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced the lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the longer-established tour? Recent reports by ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking readmission to the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August. Though the 2026 PGA Tour season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the compressed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million events with restricted elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences perfectly. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely the new league’s backers, would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He may 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 his favorite big tournaments? If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee — who have say on suspensions — may turn a blind eye for the five-time major winner. Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate reinstatement, a view shared by many fans according to a non-representative „Bunkered“ magazine poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue unchanged into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s currently most marketable player after Koepka’s departure. More updates expected.