Bryson DeChambeau confirms 2026 LIV start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor motivated by elite challenges, did not seem fully engaged at LIV. Having switched in 2022 amid injury concerns and aiming for a solid retirement fund, it’s unsurprising he foregoes the final contracted season, though questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership of LIV Team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about Koepka’s future tours. Could he return to the DP World Tour immediately, likely with penalty fees? Or reinstate his PGA Tour membership after serving a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, as lifetime bans have been softened? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
An August end to a possible suspension would coincide with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30), positioning Koepka perfectly for a 2027 comeback when PGA Tour compresses to top-tier, limited-field $20 million events—aligning well with his preferences. Such a high-profile return would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the \”Subpar\” podcast, expecting him to play selectively in major events and high-profile tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspension waivers and reportedly lean toward allowing Koepka back, echoing Rory McIlroy’s direct endorsement. Fan sentiment also favors Koepka’s return, per an informal \”Bunkered\” poll.
DeChambeau Confirms 2026 LIV Golf Participation
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed competing in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact for the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain major LIV talents after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Makes PGA Tour Return at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major champion Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, utilizing an exemption tied to his career earnings rank. Singh, from Fiji’s Viti Levu, starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh competed on the PGA Tour Champions, securing five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Low TV Ratings in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) sees diminished viewership without Tiger Woods, its star during season one. The second season