Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but requires more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level fights, found limited motivation in LIV golf. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career and the opportunity to secure a retirement fund. His skipping of the final contractual season raises questions about possible buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation persists on where Koepka will compete next—DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with penalties; or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans were softened. The key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. This timing suits a 2027 return under PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—Koepka’s preferred scenario. Such a return would also appeal to investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely operator of the top league.
“He may need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the Subpar podcast. “He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invites for high-profile events, he’d play those as well.” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold say on suspensions—with Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate eligibility. Fan sentiment aligns according to a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV debut in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially announced his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues intact for their fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau hasn’t announced a contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain the league’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh, aged 62, is making a PGA Tour comeback. He is utilizing an exemption due to his career earnings rank and will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously active on the PGA Tour Champions, Singh has claimed five titles there, including the Senior Players Championship.
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