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 Brooks Koepka has reportedly withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, was less motivated in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mostly to secure financial stability after injury concerns threatened to end his career. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. Despite stepping back, Koepka still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will tee off next—DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been greatly reduced, easing LIV players’ return. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, seeking readmission to the players’ ranks.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. That would make Koepka eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour relaunches a compressed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited elite fields—the perfect timing for his return, aligning with his preferences. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, expected to run this new top league, would surely welcome a high-profile name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka \”may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour.\” Rahm expects Koepka to play at least minimum events, focusing on tournaments he enjoys and major events. If Koepka qualifies or gains invitations to premier tournaments, he is likely to compete in those too. Those with a say in the suspension include the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who align with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to promptly allow Koepka back. A majority of fans share this view, as indicated by a non-representative poll from \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains unchanged going into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s currently most marketable and prominent player after Koepka’s departure. More on this soon.