Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s friendly agreement statement. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit, was less motivated by LIV’s level of competition. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly to secure financial stability after injury concerns. Questions remain whether Koepka had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. Despite stepping back from play, he remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation rises regarding Koepka’s next playing venues: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after last playing in LIV. Following reduced lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan, Koepka reportedly filed last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship, allowing Koepka to be eligible for 2027. This aligns perfectly with the PGA Tour’s upcoming compressed schedule offering nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—a return timed to Koepka’s liking. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s PGA Tour return on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back. He’ll probably play the minimum, and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies or gains entry, he’ll play those too.\” The suspension decision involves the PGA’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy reportedly advocating for Koepka’s reinstatement. A fan poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine indicates a majority also support allowing Koepka to play again.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged going into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking rumors over negotiations behind the scenes to retain LIV’s most marketable star following Koepka’s announcement.
Vijay Singh Makes PGA Tour Comeback at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh will return to the PGA Tour, leveraging his career money list exemption and playing in the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. The three-time major champion from Fiji has been active on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, winning five titles, including the Senior Players Championship.