Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026; Vijay Singh makes PGA comeback; Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he has lacked in LIV. He joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund. His skipping the final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Is he still owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation swirls about which fairways Koepka will show up on next — the DP World Tour, where he is eligible to play immediately, perhaps paying a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of previously lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour, which already holds stronger leverage? This key question seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership unextended since 2022 and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a new schedule compressing about two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields — perfect timing for a return, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors backing PGA Tour Enterprises, likely leading the new top league, would also welcome another big name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gains entry to high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA will overlook the suspension for the five-time major winner, with voting rights from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee — who follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately. Fan sentiment seems supportive too, according to a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will join LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation behind the scenes about arrangements to keep the league’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh: A PGA Comeback at 62
Surprise move