Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, and Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, which kicks off on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV only somewhat provided. He originally moved to LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a retirement fund. The decision to skip his final contract year is therefore understandable, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch named the new captain.
Speculation now focuses on which fairways Koepka will appear on next—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he’d serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after prior lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally filed to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka could then play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of roughly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—the perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome his return as a valuable name.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka might take some time yet would likely return to the PGA Tour to play select big events. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold say over suspensions and seem inclined to let Koepka play again—aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation and fan majority sentiment from a ‘Bunkered’ poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain intact for their fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour. The Fijian uses his career money list exemption and will participate at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles With TV Ratings in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (