Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected news? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. But Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he rarely found in LIV. He moved to Saudi Arabia in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and a desire to secure substantial retirement income. This explains his choice to skip the final contracted LIV season, though questions remain. Was he bought out or did he have to repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch captain?
The main speculation is on which fairways Koepka will appear next. On the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately—likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a star, benefits the PGA Tour, now holding the stronger hand? This key question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking re-entry to the playing field.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Reapplied: Preparing for a Return
Any suspension would expire by August. Although the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27–30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited, elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s style perfectly. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome such a marquee name in the new top-tier league.
“He might need some time, but I believe he’ll return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently in the “Subpar” podcast. “He’ll probably at least play the minimum and likely the tournaments he likes—the big ones. If he qualifies for elite events or gets in by invitation, he would definitely compete.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major winner. Besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspensions, and Rory McIlroy supports allowing Koepka’s immediate return. Fans apparently agree, according to a non-representative survey by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into the league’s fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes deals to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.