Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf League start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another run, and Charley Hull plans to launch a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the LIV Golf League season 2026, which kicks off on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he has only partially experienced in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injury forced him to think about retirement and securing his financial future. Thus, his decision to skip the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has recently named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would immediately grant him eligibility, possibly against a penalty. The PGA Tour, however, is another matter as he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why foster resentment when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? This essential question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally submitted an application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022.
An upcoming suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would become eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields — an ideal scenario for a comeback favored by Koepka. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises would likely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for or is invited to top events, he’d play those too.\” A five-time major champion might just receive leniency from the PGA Tour’s board, players’ directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, supporting Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. A majority of fans also appear supportive, per a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue unchanged into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s