Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a PGA Tour comeback, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a mutual amicable agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, something he missed at LIV. He originally switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 partly due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His skipping the last contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or repayment of guarantees, and whether he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation runs high on which tour Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were reduced. But why hold grudges when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the PGA Tour, which wields greater influence? This question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player roster.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with highly curated limited fields—an ideal time for his comeback. This would also please the investors of PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely promoters of the new top league, who would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and probably the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or can enter higher-profile tournaments, he’ll compete in those too.\” Perhaps for a five-time major winner, Ponte Vedra Beach might ease restrictions—the suspension decisions also involve the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka. A non-representative fan survey by the magazine \”Bunkered\” showed majority support as well.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
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 enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain him as LIV’s most marketable active player after Koepka’s exit.