Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil, though questions remain. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, had limited motivation playing in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because he feared his career was ending due to injury and wanted a solid retirement fund. Relinquishing his final contracted season is thus understandable, but did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation grows about which tour Koepka will join next. DP World Tour membership is possible immediately, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why be vengeful if every LIV returnee, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the established tour? This question seems partially resolved as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership lapsed after 2022.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Reapplied
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the season finale Tour Championship from August 27-30, making Koepka eligible for the 2027 season under PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-notch fields. This timing suits Koepka well. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely operators of the new elite league, would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies for or gains entry to top events, he’ll play those too.\” It is possible the PGA Tour’s Board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods will be lenient with Koepka’s suspension following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Participation in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain intact for the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.