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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive athlete who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. His initial switch to LIV in 2022 was partly due to injury concerns and financial planning for retirement. Questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or repay guaranteed money, and whether he continues to own his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a fine, or on the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. The previously lifetime suspensions imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Returning to the PGA Tour benefits both Koepka and the tour, especially as a prominent LIV returnee strengthens their position. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended since 2022, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
Koepka Applies for Membership: Preparing for PGA Tour Comeback
Any potential suspension would expire in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields – a prime moment for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome adding another big name, too.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invited to top events, he would play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour may show leniency to the five-time major winner. The suspension decision involves board members, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka be allowed back immediately. A majority of fans also support this, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV 2026 Season
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has 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 continue unchanged into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s current most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.