Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV 2026 start, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, which he found limited in LIV. In 2022, he primarily moved to LIV due to injury concerns towards the end of his career and to secure a solid retirement income. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans were softened by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Being vindictive doesn’t seem necessary since every LIV returnee, especially a notable one, benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the leverage. This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally submitted his application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player pool.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will remain unchanged entering its fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension. Behind the scenes, agreements may have been reached to retain him as the league’s most marketable asset after Koepka’s departure, which invites further speculation. More details to come…
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major champion from Fiji uses an exemption based on his position on the career money list and will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
Koepka’s Membership Reapplied: Preparing for a PGA Tour Comeback
Koepka’s possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. He would be eligible for 2027, right when the PGA Tour plans to launch its new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields — the perfect timing for Koepka’s return. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the backbone