Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains associated with the rival circuit, needing more family time. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His choice to skip the final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he still own his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows on which fairways Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty. The PGA Tour imposes a one-year suspension after the last LIV event, but lifetime bans have been eased by former commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension ends in August, coinciding with the 2026 season close at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with top limited fields—a perfect comeback opportunity. This return would also benefit PGA Tour Enterprises investors seeking marquee names.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play minimally, focusing on the big events he likes. If qualifying or invited to top events, he’ll compete.\” The decision makers, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might overlook his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to reinstate Koepka. Fans seem supportive, a \”Bunkered\” magazine survey finds.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain the league’s most marketable figure after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The Fijian star, ranked on the career money list exemption, will debut this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously 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 struggles in its second season without Tiger Woods, whose appearances drove ratings