Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but wants to spend more time with his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives under high-level competition, a motivation that waned during his LIV tenure. Koepka had switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 as he feared his career would end early due to injury and sought a substantial retirement fund. Given this context, it is no surprise he declined to play his final contractual season, though questions remain: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will soon appear on. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights, likely for a penalty fee, or perhaps the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event—after Jay Monahan’s originally lifetime bans were substantially reduced. It makes little sense to be vindictive, as each LIV returnee notably strengthens the established tour. This crucial question now seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t extended after 2022, to rejoin the players’ ranks.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka could then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback timing suited to Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would undoubtedly welcome another high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or is eligible for big events, he’ll play those, too.\” Perhaps the five-time major winner will be granted leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach—where besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have input on suspensions—and Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed back immediately. A majority of fans apparently agree, as shown by a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey and Anirban Lahiri will enter its fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension