Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League 2026 season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fierce competitor, thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly because injury had him fearing the end of his career, seeking a solid financial foundation for retirement. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next. He is eligible immediately for the DP World Tour—likely after a penalty—and could return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. Former commissioner Jay Monahan had initially imposed a lifetime ban, later softened. Why hold grudges when returning LIV players ultimately benefit the longer-established Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Koepka reapplies: preparing for PGA Tour return
Koepka’s potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. He would be eligible for the 2027 season, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with exclusive top-tier fields—ideal for Koepka. This would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors who back the new premier league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast \”Subpar,\” \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify for or get into the big events, he’ll play those as well.\” There is even talk that the PGA Tour might overlook his suspension, with input from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods’ competition committee. Rory McIlroy recommends reinstating Koepka immediately. Fan sentiment appears largely supportive, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 return
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, heads into their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, no general contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns