Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, and Charley Hull plans a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition and gets fired up, which was limited at LIV. His 2022 move to the Saudi-backed league was mainly motivated by career injuries and securing a solid retirement fund. Thus, forgoing the last contractual season isn’t surprising though questions remain about financial arrangements and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka might play next — the DP World Tour where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? This crucial question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His team, the Crushers, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau hasn’t announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour, using his exemption based on career earnings. He started this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh had recently competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Reapplied: Preparing for a Return
Koepka’s suspension could end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would be eligible for the 2027 season when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — an ideal moment for Koepka’s comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name like him. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return, suggesting he might play selectively in tournaments he favors. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspension decisions and seem inclined, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, to allow Koepka back.