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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets motivated and fired up in top-level contests, which was limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022, fearing his career was ending due to injury, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial arrangements and his ownership of LIV’s Smash GC team captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations arise about which fairways Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following reduced lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Returning LIV players, especially prominents like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour strategically. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally reapplied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, aligning with the 2026 PGA Tour Championship finale from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when PGA Tour launches its new schedule condensing about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, a perfect re-entry moment suited to Koepka. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a strong name like his. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast he expects Koepka will return to PGA Tour play, likely selectively in majors and preferred events. The players’ board and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions, with Rory McIlroy advocating Koepka’s immediate return as well. A fan survey by Bunkered magazine supports this majority view.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged heading into the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements after Koepka’s departure and to retain LIV’s most marketable player.
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. Representing Fiji’s Viti Levu Island, Singh capitalizes on an exemption based on his career earnings ranking and is set to play this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has five wins on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
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