Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which was somewhat limited in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 anticipating career end due to injury and securing retirement funds, it’s not surprising he skipped the final contract year. Questions linger: did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty. The PGA Tour imposes a one-year suspension post last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan eased lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when LIV returnees strengthen the established tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, aiming for reinstatement.
Any suspension would end by August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, timed with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields. This represents an ideal comeback for Koepka, a prospect likely welcomed by investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, the new top-tier league’s likely operators.
Jon Rahm recently told the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka \”might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, likely his preferred big events. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll join those too.\” Possibly, the five-time major champion might receive leniency from PGA Tour leadership, including the player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy already endorsing his immediate return. A non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll indicates majority fan support for Koepka’s comeback.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain him as LIV’s most marketable active player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji will return to the PGA Tour, using an exemption based on career money list standing. Singh will compete starting this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii