Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. The decision was reportedly amicable, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive spirit who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV has only partially provided. In 2022, Koepka joined LIV mainly because he feared his career was ending due to injuries and wanted a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guarantees. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV start after lifelong bans were softened? The key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
Koepka Prepares for PGA Tour Return
Any possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship finishing the 2026 season. Koepka would then be eligible in 2027 for the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields—perfect timing for his comeback and appealing to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new league.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gains entry to big events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold say in suspension matters; they seem inclined to follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately. This view resonates with many fans, as a \”Bunkered\” magazine poll shows.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will remain unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, no general contract extension has been announced by DeChambeau, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes dealings to retain the league’s currently most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, the three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The Fijian exploits an exemption based on career earnings and will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles