Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes PGA comeback at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level tournaments, something LIV hasn’t fully provided him. After joining LIV in 2022 due to injury-shortened career outlook and to secure a solid retirement fund, it’s not surprising he skipped the final contracted season, though questions persist about potential buyouts or paybacks. Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will compete next. Eligible immediately on the DP World Tour – likely with a penalty? Or back on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after previously life bans were softened? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership terminated after 2022 to rejoin the player roster.
His suspension may expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship finish. Koepka would thus be eligible for the 2027 season featuring the new compressed schedule of approximately two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields – the ideal comeback situation. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name.
\”He might need time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies or is invited to top tournaments, he’ll play them.\” There could be leniency for a five-time major champ, with decisions involving board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for Koepka’s immediate return. Fan sentiment backs this, as per non-representative \”Bunkered\” survey.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026 with his Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri unchanged entering their fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move as three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji’s Viti Levu returns to the PGA Tour at 62 using exemption based on career earnings. Singh, who previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship, will tee off this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
TGL Struggles With TV Ratings in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) faces challenges