Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected news? Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains affiliated with the rival circuit but desires more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive drive at the highest levels, seemed less motivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 as injuries threatened his career, aiming to secure financial stability. His skipping the final contracted season raises questions—did he have to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation abounds regarding Koepka’s future playing grounds: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, perhaps after a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. This ban was reduced from a lifetime ban previously imposed. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership to rejoin the players’ circle.
His potential return aligns with August 2026 when the suspension would expire, coinciding with the season’s end at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). He would be eligible for 2027’s highly anticipated PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—a perfect re-entry timing as per Koepka’s preference. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another strong name.
\”He may need some time, but I believe Koepka will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm told the podcast ‘Subpar’. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he likes, especially the majors. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’ll participate.\” There are suggestions that the PGA Tour may grant leniency for such a prominent major winner, with input from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play again. A non-representative fan survey by ‘Bunkered’ indicates majority support for Koepka’s return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
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 unchanged in its fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about negotiations behind the scenes to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. Hailing from Fiji’s Viti Levu island, Singh uses his career money list exemption to enter the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Previously,