Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive fighter who thrives on top-level tournaments, has shown limited motivation in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Koepka is still the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations arise about Koepka’s next tour. Will he play on the DP World Tour, where he is eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, with previously life bans softened? The key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension expires in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship August 27–30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited but star-studded fields. This is an ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another strong name.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour will be lenient for the five-time major winner, with input from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to welcome Koepka back. A \”Bunkered\” magazine fan survey shows majority support.
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 remain intact into their fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation on behind-the-scenes agreements to retain him after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The Fijian uses a career money list exemption and starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
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Without Tiger