Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit in top-level competition, has been less motivated in LIV and originally joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 due to injury concerns and a wish to secure retirement funds. His skipping the final contract year raises questions about potential buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which tour Koepka will play on next — possibly the DP World Tour with immediate eligibility, perhaps for a penalty, or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension since his last LIV event applies after previous lifetime bans were softened. Considering the competitive advantage for the PGA Tour of welcoming prominent LIV returnees, Koepka’s situation seems clearer. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Koepka Prepares for PGA Tour Comeback
Koepka’s suspension could end in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship finish. He would be eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour season, featuring a condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-quality fields — an ideal timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also favor another high-profile name. Jon Rahm recently suggested on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka likely will return to the PGA Tour, playing at least selected major tournaments. The PGA Tour’s suspension committee, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may be inclined to lift his ban, supported by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation and fan sentiment.
DeChambeau Confirms 2026 LIV Participation; Singh Returns at 62
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf’s 2026 season with the Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continuing their fifth campaign. However, DeChambeau has not publicly extended his contract, fueling speculation on internal negotiations following Koepka’s departure. Vijay Singh makes a surprising PGA Tour return at age 62, using his career money list exemption to play the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has won five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles and Other Golf News
The second season of the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) faces low TV ratings without Tiger Woods, whose appearances drove top viewership in season one. The ABC broadcast of the opening day attracted 646,000 viewers, down from 919,000 on ESPN previously. The league’s founders — Woods, Rory McIlroy, and partner Mike McCar