Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka, the five-time major winner, has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh, stating he needs more family time while maintaining ties with the rival circuit. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed the amicable agreement. Koepka is known as a competitive player motivated by high-level tournaments, something he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a lucrative retirement fund. His choice to skip his final contracted season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or salary repayments and whether he’ll remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he could compete immediately likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance following softened lifetime bans under former commissioner Jay Monahan. A key question now has partial clarity: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated into the players’ ranks after his membership was not renewed post-2022.
Koepka Prepares PGA Tour Comeback
Koepka’s suspension would end in August, coinciding with the season finale at the Tour Championship. He would be eligible for the 2027 season, ideally launched alongside the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with exclusive fields, perfectly timing his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile player. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka will return, likely playing at least a minimum schedule focusing on his preferred major events. The Tiger Woods-led competition committee, along with player directors, hold influence over suspension decisions, with Rory McIlroy advocating Koepka’s immediate reinstatement. This sentiment is echoed by a fan majority per a non-representative \”Bunkered\” survey.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf for 2026, maintaining his Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri for the fifth season. No general contract extension was announced, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable player following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major champion Vijay Singh returned to the PGA Tour using a career earnings exemption, starting at this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles Without Tiger Woods
The Tomorrow’s Golf League’s second season opener recorded lower TV ratings, with