Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time.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 is a competitor who thrives in high-level challenges, which LIV has only partially provided. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season isn’t surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay guarantees. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch the new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next—on the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, potentially paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when LIV returnees benefit the dominant PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, lost after 2022.
Koepka Prepares for PGA Tour Return
His potential suspension ends in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s close at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-player fields—the ideal time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome another strong name. \”He may need some time, but I believe he’ll return,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum and select major events he enjoys. If he qualifies for or gains invites to big tournaments, he’d compete.\” The player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who influence suspensions, may grant leniency, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka. A fan survey by \”Bunkered\” suggests majority support this.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri enters the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation behind the scenes on retaining the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major champion from Fiji utilizes an exemption based on his career earnings and will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has won five PGA Tour Champions titles, including the Senior Players Championship.