Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, was less motivated at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions: Did he repay part of his guaranteed earnings? Does he still own his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately possibly paying a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans. The key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka officially reapplied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” There is even talk of leniency from Ponte Vedra Beach authorities; decision-making includes the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy advocating a direct return for Koepka. A majority of fans also favor this, according to a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri is unchanged as they enter their fifth season. Yet, DeChambeau announced no general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements aimed at retaining LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses his career money list exemption and starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh played on the PGA