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 opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable agreement was announced officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive player who gets highly motivated in top-level contests, a quality somewhat limited during his LIV tenure. Having switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns near the end of his career and to secure solid retirement earnings, his skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which fairways Koepka will next appear on. The DP World Tour allows immediate eligibility, possibly with penalties. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, softened from a lifetime ban previously enforced by former commissioner Jay Monahan. One key question partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended past 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player pool.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. He would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—an ideal time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league would welcome such a high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies for or gets invites to marquee events, he’ll play those too.\” There is even talk that PGA Tour authorities, including the player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might overlook the suspension for the five-time major champ, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka. Likewise, a non-representative fan survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine shows majority support for his return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into their fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable active star following Koepka’s exit. More details may emerge soon.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move: three-time major champion Vijay Singh, aged 62