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 Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual agreement, stated LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something he lacked in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure enough retirement funds. It’s no surprise he skipped the last contract year, although questions remain about financial details and if he remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty. On the PGA Tour, he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, but previous life bans have been significantly softened. Interestingly, recent reports from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming for reinstatement into the player ranks.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. However, no general contract extension was announced, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses an exemption based on his career earnings and is set to start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles with TV Ratings in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League has seen weak viewership without Tiger Woods. The second season’s opener on ABC attracted only 646,000 viewers, compared to 919,000 on ESPN in season one. The second match drew just 354,000 viewers. Woods’ absence leaves a big hole, and the league partners Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley face the challenge of finding a new star to maintain momentum.
Charley Hull Launches Her Own YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s example with over three million subscribers, Charley Hull, the exuberant Malbon ambassador from England, announced plans to launch a YouTube channel this summer. Known for her distinctive, flamboyant fashion, Hull revealed the news on fellow pro Jason Day’s channel The Lads, where they played a friendly match. Her channel’s tentative title is \”The Sweet Spot.\”