Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns aged 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level sporting battles, was only moderately motivated at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, so skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about contract buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch the new captain.
Speculation is growing about which tours Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would likely allow him immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty. On the PGA Tour, he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans were significantly eased. The question of whether prominent LIV returnees will be welcomed by the PGA Tour seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
A possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — a perfect re-entry timing matching Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another big-name player.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum events, and why not the ones he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, have influence over suspensions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately. According to a non-representative fan survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine, most fans share that view.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about potential behind-the-scenes agreements to keep him after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji leverages an exemption due to his career money list position and will play the