Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level tournament play, was less motivated by LIV events. After joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns, Koepka was expected to play his final contractual season but declined. Questions remain whether he bought out his contract or repaid part of his guaranteed fee. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with new captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or he might return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, following the former commissioner Jay Monahan’s reduction of lifetime bans. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, aiming for readmission to the playing field.
A potential suspension expires in August, coinciding with the 2026 season ending with the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a streamlined schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields — the perfect timing for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely backing the new top-tier league, would welcome another prominent name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need some time but expects him to return to the PGA Tour, probably playing at least the minimum events and major tournaments he favors. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over the suspension, possibly following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. A Bunkered magazine poll also shows majority fan support for his return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially announced he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri enters the fifth season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau did not reveal a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation on behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. The Fijian uses an exemption based on his career money list ranking and will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
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