Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes PGA return at 62, and Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition and motivation, which he experienced only to a limited extent in LIV. Primarily, he joined LIV in 2022 thinking his career was nearing an end due to injuries and seeking a solid retirement fund. Given this, his refusal to play the last contracted season is understandable, though questions remain about contract buyouts or salary returns. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would immediately allow him to compete — possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour suspension, previously lifetime under Commissioner Jay Monahan, has since been significantly eased to one year since his last LIV appearance. This is a key question, as every LIV returnee strengthens the established tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Potentially, his suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would then be eligible for the 2027 season, which features nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. The timing fits Koepka’s preferences well and would also appeal to investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s proprietor, as adding a prominent name boosts appeal.
Jon Rahm recently told the “Subpar” podcast, \”He may take some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He might play the minimum, probably the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’s likely to participate.\” PGA Tour player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, along with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately, may ease the suspension. A majority of fans agree, as a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine shows.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, enters the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to keep the league’s most marketable star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh: Returning to the PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh will return to the PGA Tour at age 62. The Fijian uses his career earnings exemption