Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, and Charley Hull plans a YouTube debut. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual and friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, was less motivated during his LIV stint. He originally joined LIV in 2022 seeking financial security due to injury concerns. Questions remain if he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife on which fairways Koepka will appear next — the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible (possibly paying a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Reports from ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reveal Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team — Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri — will continue unchanged into their fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes deals to retain the prominent and marketable LIV player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji utilizes an exemption due to his career money list standing and starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Weak TV Ratings in Season Two
Without Tiger Woods, the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) struggles with viewer ratings. The season two opener on ABC drew only 646,000 viewers, down from 919,000 on ESPN in season one’s first match. The second match attracted merely 354,000 viewers. The league’s founders — Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley — urgently need a new star to maintain momentum, as Woods’ impact remains unmatched.
Charley Hull to Launch YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s success with three million YouTube subscribers, Charley Hull announces plans for her own channel. The outgoing English Malbon ambassador, known for her distinctive style, plans to launch “The Sweet Spot” this summer. She revealed this during an appearance on the Malbon colleague Jason Day’s YouTube channel “The Lads.”