Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This has been amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives only in top-level contests, which he found less motivating in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure financial stability for retirement, his skipping the final contract season is not surprising, though questions remain. Was there a buyout or partial payback? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about which courses Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would be eligible likely paying a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous life bans were eased. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the established tours? This question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the playing field.
An eventual suspension would end in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship finale. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited elite fields—a perfect comeback timing fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would likely welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on his favorite big events. Once qualified or invited to top-tier tournaments, he would surely participate.\” Moreover, the PGA Tour’s ruling committee, led by Tiger Woods, and player directors could be lenient about his suspension, influenced by Rory McIlroy who supports Koepka’s immediate return. Fans mostly agree, as a non-representative survey by ‘Bunkered’ found.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri heads into its fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a contract extension, fueling speculation about off-the-record agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour at age 62. The Fijian utilizes a career money list exemption to compete, starting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously,