Bryson DeChambeau confirms he will join the LIV Golf League in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a surprising return to the PGA Tour at 62, and Charley Hull announces an upcoming YouTube channel launch. The Back Nine.
Expected news? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner plans to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for thriving in top-level competition, has been less motivated in LIV. He switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His omission of the last contract year raises questions: Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary? Will he remain the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will next appear on. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, following significantly softened lifetime bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vengeful when reinstating a prominent LIV returnee benefits the already influential PGA Tour? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking to rejoin the player roster.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible in 2027, when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule compressed to nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited fields with top players. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would please investors backing the upcoming top league under PGA Tour Enterprises, who would value another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, I guess, focusing on tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Furthermore, a five-time major winner might get leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach, where alongside the board, the player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions. Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately, and a majority of fans agree, according to a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes