Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly mutually agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV offered less of. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing his career was ending due to injuries, aiming to secure a retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or partial refunding of guaranteed payments. It’s unclear if he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about Koepka’s next playing grounds: the DP World Tour, where he would gain immediate eligibility possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance remains after previous lifetime bans were substantially softened under former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why seek revenge when a prominent returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour’s interests? This question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement among tour players.
Koepka Reapplies for PGA Tour Membership
His possible suspension expires in August, just as the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. But Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields—an ideal comeback scenario for Koepka. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s owner, would welcome a star of his stature.
\”He might need some time, but I believe Koepka will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play the minimum at first, choosing tournaments he likes and the majors. If he qualifies or receives invites for high-profile events, he’ll participate.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour commissioners, led by Tiger Woods’ competition committee, may overlook the suspension for a five-time major winner, as Rory McIlroy has recommended immediately readmitting Koepka. Fans apparently agree, as a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine indicates.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged entering the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to avoid losing LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.