Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour, and Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something LIV has only partially provided. Originally, his 2022 move to Saudi Arabia was motivated by injury concerns and securing a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contractual year is understandable, although questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
The speculation mainly focuses on where Koepka will next play: DP World Tour, where he would have immediate playing rights, perhaps with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after prior lifetime bans were softened? It appears this question is partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which expired after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Potential suspension ends in August, coinciding with the PGA Tour Championship conclusion. Koepka would qualify for 2027 when the PGA Tour unveils a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields – an ideal reentry moment. This would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, maybe his favorite big events. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile tournaments, he’d play those too.\” The PGA’s player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold veto power on suspensions. Rory McIlroy endorses Koepka’s immediate return. A \”Bunkered\” magazine fan poll also shows majority support.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially announced his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, sparking speculation about backstage deals to retain LIV’s star after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour at 62. Utilizing an exemption based on career earnings, the Fijian star begins this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
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