Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull plans YouTube debut. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, something he rarely found in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns about his career’s longevity and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the last contracted season isn’t surprising, though questions arise whether he had to buy out or repay guaranteed money. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, likely with a penalty. Rejoining the PGA Tour entails serving a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, a penalty softened from a lifetime ban by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Returning LIV players, especially prominent ones, benefit the PGA Tour, making reluctance unlikely. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks after not renewing in 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields – the ideal timing for a comeback fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marketable 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 likely play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for top events, he’ll compete in those as well.\” There’s even talk that the PGA might be lenient on his suspension, with voting from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who follow Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to allow Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans agree, according to a non-representative ‘Bunkered’ magazine poll.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains unchanged entering the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, hinting at possible behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain him as a key LIV figure following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh