Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season starting February 7, 2026, in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who gets motivated at the highest level of competition, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns, intending to secure a solid retirement fund, so skipping the last contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed earnings? Does he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain?
Speculation is rife on where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, likely with a penalty; or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV participation after previously lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why hold grudges if a prominent LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? This key question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka has formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last extended in 2022 and rejoin the player pool.
Koepka Files Membership to Prepare PGA Tour Return
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under PGA Tour’s new schedule, featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—the perfect comeback setting fitting Koepka’s competitive style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, expected to run the new top league, would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the majors he likes? If he can qualify or get invited to top events, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway over suspension decisions; following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play seems likely. Polls by \”Bunkered\” magazine suggest many fans agree with this stance.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his 2026 participation in the LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will pursue their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation on negotiations behind the scenes to retain LIV’s most marketable star following Koepka’s departure.