Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he only partially found in LIV. He primarily joined LIV in 2022 because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or refunding guarantees. It’s unclear if he remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already made Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next—the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans significantly. Following information by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship that wraps the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible in 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—an ideal return fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another big name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on the big events he enjoys. If he qualifies for or gets into top-tier tournaments, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour leadership, including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, reportedly favor allowing Koepka back, also advised by Rory McIlroy. Fan opinion seems supportive as well, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged for their fifth season. However, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain the most marketable LIV player following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh is returning to play on the PGA Tour. The three-time major champion from Fiji’s Viti Levu uses an exemption based on his career earnings and will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles