Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
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, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives at the highest levels, had mixed motivation in LIV and initially joined in 2022 aiming to secure his retirement finances. Questions remain whether he had to repay part of his guaranteed salary or still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on where Koepka will next compete—immediately eligible on the DP World Tour possibly for a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, since lifetime bans were eased. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
Koepka reapplies for PGA Tour membership
His potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—timed perfectly for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee player like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting Koepka may gradually return, playing minimum events or just the majors and big tournaments, should he qualify or be invited. If anyone could get a suspension reprieve, it would be a five-time major champ like Koepka, with input from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka. Fans also largely back this idea, per a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf for 2026. DeChambeau’s Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain intact for their fifth season. Notably, no general contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure. More updates are expected.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major champion Vijay Singh, 62, returns to the PGA Tour, using an exemption based on his career earnings. He is set to compete at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Previously, Singh played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL struggles without Tiger Woods
The Tomorrow’s Golf League’s second season kicked off to weak TV ratings on ABC