Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start 2026, Vijay Singh aims again, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka officially withdrew from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit, appeared less motivated at LIV events and had joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 amid injury concerns to secure his retirement income. Speculations continue on his future playing venues: DP World Tour, where he could play immediately perhaps with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after previous life bans were eased. Recently, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would end in August, aligning with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour plans a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s PGA Tour return, suggesting he would likely play select big events. Rory McIlroy also supports Koepka’s reinstatement, and a fan survey indicates majority backing. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension decisions.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the LIV Golf League’s fifth season in 2026. His team, the Crushers, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact. However, DeChambeau hasn’t announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation on LIV’s player retention strategies following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
Surprisingly, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62 years old. The three-time major champion from Fiji uses an exemption based on his career earnings and is set to compete at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
Weak TV Ratings for TGL Season Two Start
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) is struggling without Tiger Woods, who had been a major draw in its first season. The season two opener attracted only 646,000 viewers on ABC, down from 919,000 on ESPN during season one’s opener. The second match’s ratings fell further to 354,000. Co-founders Woods, Rory McIlroy, and partner Mike McCarley are facing pressure to find a new star to maintain momentum, as Woods’ presence remains unmatched.
Charley Hull to Launch Own YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s success with over three million YouTube subscribers, Charley Hull plans to start her own channel this