Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a mutual decision, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or partial return of guaranteed pay. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch named new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka might play next. He could join the DP World Tour immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan eased the initial lifetime bans. Returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones, benefit the PGA Tour’s position. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
Koepka Prepares for PGA Tour Return
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season’s Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, just as the PGA Tour plans a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors as a valuable addition.
\”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 likely play the minimum and some big events he likes. If he qualifies for more prestigious tournaments, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspension decisions, with Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate return. A non-representative fan survey by \”Bunkered\” also shows majority support for Koepka’s reinstatement.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 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, leaving speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour using an exemption based on his career earnings ranking. He will compete