Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV 2026 start, Vijay Singh makes PGA Tour comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 thinking his career was nearing its end due to injury and sought a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is understandable, although questions remain about any buy-out or partial repayment. Despite this, Koepka remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after lifetime bans were significantly eased. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally reapplied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster.
Koepka Reapplies for PGA Tour Membership
Koepka’s potential ban expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He’d be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited elite fields—perfect timing for Koepka’s return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely behind this top-tier league, would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar,\” stating, \”He might need time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” There is speculation that the PGA Tour’s suspension committee, led by Tiger Woods and including player directors, may overlook his suspension, especially with Rory McIlroy supporting Koepka’s immediate return. According to a non-representative fan poll by \”Bunkered,\” most fans agree.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His team, Crushers, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain unchanged going into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain him as LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour at age 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji is using an exemption due to his