Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, states LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in top-level sports engagements, something LIV hasn’t fully delivered. In fact, he switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to concerns about his career ending because of injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions linger: Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed paycheck? Does he remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation mounts on where Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after the formerly lifetime bans under ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly eased? Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the more powerful established tour? This crucial question seems partially answered, as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not renewed after 2022 and to be reinstated as a player member.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact entering the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain him as LIV’s most marketable active star after Koepka.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour, using his career money list exemption and starting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. The three-time major winner from Fiji had been playing on the PGA Tour Champions, where he won five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
Charley Hull Launching YouTube Channel
Riding the wave of success, Bryson DeChambeau boasts over three million YouTube subscribers as a benchmark for golf pros’ social media potential. Following suit, English Malbon ambassador Charley Hull announced a new channel, planning to launch in summer. Hull is known for her bold, eccentric outfits and vibrant personality. She revealed the plans on the YouTube channel “The Lads” hosted by fellow pro Jason Day, where they recently faced off in a singles match pre-Grant Thornton Invitational in Florida. The channel will be titled “The Sweet Spot.”