Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type motivated by the highest-level competition, which he found somewhat limited at LIV. He moved to the Saudi league in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns near career end and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or will he return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were softened by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? This critical question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka filed a formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player group.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour implements a new schedule with roughly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited fields. This timing suits Koepka’s style and would appeal to investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely running the new top league, benefitting from his star power.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he can qualify or be invited to high-profile events, he will play them.\” Possibly, PGA Tour leadership, including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will be lenient, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately. A majority of fans reportedly agree, according to a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues unchanged into its fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, raising questions about behind-the-scenes agreements 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 Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour using his career money list exemption, teeing off at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. A three-time major champion from Fiji’s Viti Levu island,