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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This decision was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives and gets motivated by high-level sporting challenges – something he found only limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, after previous lifetime bans were softened by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Following reports by ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka submitted a formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields – an ideal comeback timing for Koepka. This move would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the operator of the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need some time but would likely return to the PGA Tour, playing at least a minimum schedule and focusing on the big tournaments he prefers. There might be leniency for Koepka’s suspension, as alongside the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence, and Rory McIlroy supports allowing Koepka to play again. According to a non-representative survey by the magazine \”Bunkered,\” the majority of fans also agree with a swift return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation behind the scenes to retain one of LIV’s most prominent and marketable players after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. Using an exemption based on his career money list standing, Singh