Bryson DeChambeau confirms 2026 LIV Golf start, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a competitive spirit who thrives on top-level competition, was somewhat unmotivated in LIV. He initially joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 believing his career might be ending due to injuries and seeking a solid retirement income. His opting out of the final contractual season thus raises questions – did he have to buy out part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation abounds about Koepka’s next venues. Will he play on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans? It’s beneficial for the PGA Tour to welcome returning LIV players, especially prominent ones. This key question seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
His suspension could end in August, coinciding with the season finale Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Thus, Koepka could compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new packed 20-million-dollar tournament schedule featuring limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the top-tier league.
\”He may need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and likely the big events he likes. If he qualifies or can enter top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Furthermore, the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway over suspensions. Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate return and a majority of fans share that view, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered.\”
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his 2026 LIV Golf League participation. His Crushers team — Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri — will enter their fifth season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about off-field agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable active player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh comes back to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major champion from Fiji uses a career money list exemption and debuts this week at the Sony Open in