Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start for 2026, Vijay Singh plans a comeback, and Charley Hull is launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit at the highest level, has been less motivated playing LIV events. Originally joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement funds, his skipping the contractually obligated final season raises questions about buyout terms and his role as owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where immediate eligibility is expected (likely with a penalty), or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension remains since his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. This key question seems partly answered: reporter Mark Schlabach of ESPN revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, seeking reentry into the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the end of that year’s season, rendered by the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, an ideal comeback scenario aligning with Koepka’s preferences. This move would also benefit PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new elite league, welcoming a marquee player.
Jon Rahm commented recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”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 events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments or gets invitations, he’ll play those too.\” Influential voices at Ponte Vedra Beach, including the Board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee—plus Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate return—could soften the suspension impact. A majority of fans seem to favor this approach, according to an informal poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. Hailing from Fiji’s Viti Levu island, Singh leverages a career money list exemption and will play this week