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 opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, a trait somewhat missing during his LIV tenure. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure retirement funds. Thus, skipping his final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old still own the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch captain?
Speculation mainly surrounds which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He could play on the DP World Tour immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? This key question may be partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally reapplied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the 2026 season from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields – an ideal comeback moment for Koepka, also promising for PGA Tour Enterprises investors likely to manage the new premier league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency to a five-time major champion; apart from the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions, and Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately. A majority of fans may share this view, according to an informal poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remain unchanged going into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension. Speculation continues about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s current prominent and marketable players after Koepka’s departure.