Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launches YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time with family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which was limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement funds. Speculation surrounds whether he had to repay part of his guaranteed salary and if he still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
There’s much speculation about which tours Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (likely paying a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans were softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Such a suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would then be eligible for the 2027 season as the PGA Tour restructures its schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited, elite fields — an ideal moment for Koepka’s comeback. This would also appeal to investors of PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the operator of the new top league.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum and the tournaments he likes — the big ones. If he qualifies or gains entry to other top events, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway on suspensions and may follow Rory McIlroy’s advice to allow Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans also appear supportive, as found in a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged going into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension. Speculation remains about behind-the-scenes deals to keep him, the current most prominent and marketable LIV player, after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. Utilizing an exemption based on his career earnings rank, Singh will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. He has previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five