Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another shot, Charley Hull soon joining YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected? Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; he remains connected to the rival circuit but seeks more family time. This amicable agreement was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives at the highest level, something that LIV matches only partially. He initially moved to Saudi Arabia in 2022 due to injury fears and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contract year raises questions. Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will appear next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies since his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans? Why hold grudges when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the established tours? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Koepka Prepares PGA Tour Return
The possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with top fields — ideal timing for his comeback. Such a move would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely owner of the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least a minimum and why not tournaments he prefers, the big ones. If he qualifies or receives invites for high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the five-time major winner will get leniency from Ponte Vedra Beach officials. Besides the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have a say, and Rory McIlroy recommends allowing Koepka immediate competition. A majority of fans appear supportive, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed entering the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey and Anirban Lahiri continues unchanged into the fifth season. He did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation behind the scenes on retention efforts after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: Three-time major winner Vijay Singh, aged 62, returns to the PGA Tour using his career earnings exemption. He is set to compete at this week’s