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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026 starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains tied to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was a mutual, friendly agreement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV has somewhat lacked for him. He had originally joined LIV in 2022 to secure financial stability as injuries cast doubt on his career’s continuation. Thus, skipping the last contracted year is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or guarantee repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour where he might be allowed immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, since the former commissioner Jay Monahan’s life bans were softened. Interestingly, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, seeking reinstatement into the player pool.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Return in Sight
His suspension is expected to end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new calendar featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—ideal timing for his comeback. This would also please investors backing PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely operator of the new top league.
Jon Rahm expressed optimism in the “Subpar” podcast: \”He might take some time but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, hitting the big events he likes. Once qualified or invited to top tournaments, he’ll participate in those too.\” The disciplinary committee, led by Tiger Woods, and player directors may show leniency, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back directly. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative survey by Bunkered magazine.
Other Key Golf News
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf for 2026, keeping his Crushers team intact with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri. Vijay Singh, at 62, returns to the PGA Tour using his career money list exemption, starting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) sees declining TV ratings without Tiger Woods, facing challenges in maintaining momentum and audience interest. Charley Hull announced a new YouTube channel, following DeChambeau’s successful social media example. Jason Day cryptically stated he has “quit,” sparking speculation about his future focus, potentially full-time on a new YouTube channel.
Tom Phillips was appointed new CEO of the Ladies European Tour (LET