Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This is the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, which LIV has somewhat lacked. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial terms and his ownership status of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour where he would have immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans were reduced. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
Koepka Prepares PGA Tour Return
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. He would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a new schedule with around two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-level fields—a perfect comeback opportunity suiting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name like him.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take time but is likely to return to the PGA Tour, playing minimal events and the majors he favors. There’s speculation that the PGA could grant exceptions given Koepka’s stature, with endorsements from Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods’ competition committee. A fan poll by \”Bunkered\” suggests many support his return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Participation in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter the fifth season unchanged. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, inviting speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s prominent and marketable players after Koepka’s departure.
Other Golf News Highlights
At 62, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour starting at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, using a career money list exemption. The Tomorrow’s Golf League suffers from weak TV ratings in its second season without Tiger Woods, highlighting the challenge of maintaining momentum without its star. Charley Hull plans to launch her own YouTube channel this summer, inspired by DeChambeau’s success. Jason Day teased a major announcement following cryptic Instagram posts, fueling speculation about his future.
Tom Phillips is appointed new CEO of the Ladies European Tour starting April 6, bringing over