Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes comeback, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more family time, per LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for his competitive drive on the highest level, was less motivated during his time with LIV. Initially, in 2022, he joined LIV primarily due to injuries that threatened his career and to secure a solid retirement income. His skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guarantees. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next: immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or aiming at a PGA Tour return despite a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. Former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been softened, allowing for such comebacks. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship scheduled for August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027, the launch year of PGA Tour’s restructured season featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, well-curated fields — an ideal reentry point for him and an attractive prospect for investors in PGA Tour Enterprises.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the Podca st \”Subpar,\” expressing confidence in Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour, predicting he would play selective events, especially majors. Notably, the PGA Tour’s decision-making involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods. Rory McIlroy has recommended allowing Koepka’s immediate return. Fan sentiment appears supportive, reflected in a poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, heads into the fifth season unchanged. However, DeChambeau has not announced a contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain him as LIV’s most marketable active player following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Makes PGA Tour Return at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses an exemption based on his career earnings rank and will compete at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Previously, Singh played on the PGA Tour Champions, amassing five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Weak TV Ratings in Second Season
The Tomorrow’s Golf League has struggled without Tiger Woods, as ratings have