Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another run, Charley Hull launching YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type who typically thrives on the highest-level sporting battles, which he has been less motivated by in LIV. He initially joined the Saudi league in 2022, fearing injury-ending his career, and sought lucrative retirement earnings. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will appear next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to play immediately—likely with a penalty payment—or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after the previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were greatly softened. This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not extended since 2022, to rejoin its player membership.
Koepka reapplies for PGA Tour membership
A possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with the best limited fields. This timing fits Koepka’s preferences perfectly and attracts PGA Tour Enterprises investors who would welcome another marquee name in the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently told the podcast \”Subpar,\” \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or receives invites to high-profile events, he’d likely play those too.\” It is possible that the five-time major champion may get leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach, where besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions. Rory McIlroy recommends Koepka’s immediate return, a view shared by many fans per a non-representative survey by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact for the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not publicly extended his contract, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain him as the league’s most marketable current star after Koepka’s departure.