Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes surprising PGA Tour comeback, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level sporting challenges, something he found limited in LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns to secure his retirement fund, his decision to skip his final contracted season raises questions around potential buyouts and his ongoing ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s future playing fields. He would be eligible to play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly subject to a fine, or could return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the substantial easing of previous lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Notably, a return would be mutually beneficial for Koepka and the PGA Tour with its planned compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields starting in 2027. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. However, the 2027 schedule offers an ideal stage for Koepka’s return, which also appeals to PGA Tour Enterprises investors. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting Koepka will selectively compete in tournaments he favors. Additionally, input from tour leadership, including Tiger Woods-led competition committees and player directors, align with Rory McIlroy’s endorsement for Koepka’s reinstatement, mirrored by fan sentiment in a Bunkered magazine survey.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Commitment for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially announced he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season, leading his Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri into their fifth campaign. Notably, no new contract extension was announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable star following 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, utilizing an exemption from his career earnings rank. He will debut at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week after competing primarily on the PGA Tour Champions, where he has secured five titles, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Slump in TV Ratings Without Tiger Woods
The second season launch of the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) experienced diminished TV ratings, notably absent Tiger Woods’ participation which drove high viewership in the inaugural season. ABC