Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV 2026 start, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has 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 reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was only partially motivated at LIV. He originally joined in 2022 due to injury concerns, aiming to secure substantial retirement earnings. His decision to forgo the final contract year raises questions: did he buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is 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 faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans were softened by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed post-2022 and return to competition.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains unchanged heading into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, leading to speculation about unseen arrangements to retain the league’s most marketable star after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour, leveraging an exemption based on his career earnings rank. The three-time major winner from Fiji starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Weak TV Ratings in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League has struggled with viewership in its second season, especially without Tiger Woods. The season two opener attracted 646,000 viewers on ABC, down from 919,000 during the first season’s premiere on ESPN. The second match between Atlanta and The Bay drew just 354,000 viewers. Woods’ absence is keenly felt, as his appearances reliably delivered high ratings in season one. Co-founders Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley now face the challenge of finding a new star to attract viewers. McIlroy and team member Tom Kim have not matched Woods’ star power.
Charley Hull Launching Own YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s success with over three million YouTube subscribers, Charley Hull plans to start her own channel. The 29-year-old Malbon ambassador from England, known for her bold and flamboyant style, aims to launch