Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, something he has had limited opportunities to experience in LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career, aiming to secure retirement earnings. Thus, his skipping the final contractual season is understandable, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of LIV Team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour with immediate eligibility but possibly a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension has been enforced after his last LIV appearance? Former lifetime bans by Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Intriguingly, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally requested reinstatement to the PGA Tour player membership last Friday.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding closely with the 2026 PGA Tour Championship from August 27-30. This aligns with Koepka becoming eligible for the 2027 season under a revamped PGA Tour schedule comprising about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, elite fields—an ideal stage for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises likely welcome an additional star name.
\”He might need time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not choose the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites to the top events, he’ll play those.\” The players’ board, competition committee led by Tiger Woods, and the PGA Tour support potentially easing Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him promptly. A majority of fans reportedly share this view, according to a non-representative survey by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League, continuing with his Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable 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 uses a career money list exemption to return to the PGA Tour this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Weak TV Ratings in Second Season
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (T