Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh plans a comeback at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Expected news? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives under high-level competition, was only moderately motivated in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 expecting to safeguard his career financially due to injury concerns. It’s no surprise he opted out of the final contractual season, although questions remain about buyout terms and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour might grant immediate playing rights, possibly with penalties, or he could return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension imposed after his last LIV appearance. This suspension was notably softened from a lifetime ban previously enforced by former commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Such a suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season’s Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. This timing would make Koepka eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour, which plans a condensed schedule with around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, highly competitive fields—a perfect reentry point aligning with Koepka’s preferences. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises would certainly welcome adding another marquee name.
Jon Rahm expressed optimism recently in the “Subpar” podcast, suggesting Koepka might take some time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selective big events and minimum required tournaments. Furthermore, the PGA Tour’s decision-making, influenced by Tiger Woods’ competition committee and player directors, including Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete again, may favor a swift comeback. A non-representative fan poll by Bunkered magazine reflects similar public support.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations especially after Koepka’s withdrawal to maintain LIV’s prominent profile.
Vijay Singh: Returning to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major champion Vijay Singh, hailing from Fiji, is returning to the PGA Tour at 62 years old. Leveraging an exemption based on his career earnings, Singh will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. He has previously played on the PGA Tour Champions,