Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh makes PGA Tour comeback at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season, starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 official statement. Koepka, known for his competitive drive at the highest level, was less motivated at LIV and joined mainly in 2022 anticipating an injury-shortened career, aiming to secure good retirement earnings. His opting out of the final contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Is he still owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible possibly facing a fine, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. This crucial question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets invites to top events, he’ll play those.\” Perhaps, as a five-time major champion, Koepka could get some leniency from the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, with Rory McIlroy favoring Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation behind the scenes about retention after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major champion Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. The Fijian uses an exemption from his career money list position and will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has enjoyed success on the