Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he somewhat lacked in LIV. He switched to Saudi-backed LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared his career might be ending due to injuries and wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. The 35-year-old still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly after a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where a one-year ban following his last LIV participation remains, albeit significantly softened from lifetime bans previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the more powerful Tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the players’ circle.
A possible ban would end in August. Although the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship (Aug 27–30), Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed new schedule with around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, best fields—the perfect comeback timing. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely running the new top league, would welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the five-time major winner could get a break in Ponte Vedra Beach—the suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately. A majority of fans apparently agree, as a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine showed.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation behind the scenes about agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.