Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start for 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another shot, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains affiliated with the rival circuit but wishes more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competitive settings, struggled to find motivation in LIV and initially joined in 2022 mainly to secure a solid retirement fund amid injury concerns. His decision to skip the last contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or refunds of guaranteed pay. It also remains unclear if he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, Captain Talor Gooch now leading it.
Speculation mounts about which courses Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies following his last LIV participation. Previously lifelong bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Why maintain vindictiveness when a returning star LIV player benefits the longer-established tour? Recent reports from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reveal Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, dropped after 2022, and hopes to rejoin the player pool.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri proceeds into the fifth season unchanged. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements, especially after Koepka’s withdrawal.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh of Fiji returns to the PGA Tour at 62 years old. Using an exemption based on his career earnings ranking, he will appear this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL struggles with TV ratings in second season
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) started its second season with weaker TV ratings, especially without Tiger Woods’ appearances that significantly boosted first-season viewership. The ABC broadcast for the season opener attracted only 646,000 viewers compared to 919,000 on ESPN in the debut season. The second match between Atlanta and The Bay drew just 354,000 viewers. Woods, along with Rory McIlroy and partner Mike McCarley, must find a new standout star to maintain momentum, a challenging feat given Woods’ unmatched appeal.
Charley Hull to launch own YouTube channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s example of success on YouTube with over three million subscribers, English professional Charley Hull announced plans to start her own channel this summer. The 29-year-old Malbon ambassador, known for her extravagant