Bryson DeChambeau confirms 2026 LIV start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was said to be a mutual agreement, per LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which was somewhat lacking at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement payout. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or guarantees. Koepka still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will tee off next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately—possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV play. The severe lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why seek revenge if every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the long-dominant Tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. This means Koepka could compete in 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule focusing on nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another major star.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he would also play those.\” Moreover, the suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who reportedly support lifting the ban on Koepka, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation. Fans also seem in favor, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri enters its fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major champion from Fiji uses a career money list exemption and will play this week’s