Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf League start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another PGA Tour run, and Charley Hull is launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, known for his competitive nature at the highest level, was less motivated in LIV. Joining LIV in 2022 was mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and securing a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about buyouts or refunds. Koepka still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about Koepka’s next fairways. Will he join the DP World Tour immediately with possibly a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans? Interestingly, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligned with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields — the perfect timing for a comeback. Such a prominent name would surely benefit investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely behind the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the “Subpar” podcast, \”He may need time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least minimally, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or is invited, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension decisions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative “Bunkered” magazine survey.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, returns unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, no overall contract extension was announced for DeChambeau, leaving room for speculation behind the scenes about the league’s negotiations after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh back on PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh utilizes an exemption based on his career earnings. He previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL struggles without Tiger Woods in season two
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