Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh, with LIV CEO Scott McNeil stating the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. Koepka, known as a competitive player motivated by high-level challenges, found limited excitement in LIV and joined primarily in 2022 to secure a retirement fund after injury concerns. Questions remain if he had to repay part of his guaranteed salary or the status of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s future tour appearances: DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV start after lifetime bans issued by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were eased. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season’s Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields, fitting perfectly with his competitive preferences and appealing to investors behind the new top league, PGA Tour Enterprises.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka would return to the PGA Tour, likely playing at least the minimum events and the big tournaments he favors. The players’ board, led by Tiger Woods and including Rory McIlroy who supports Koepka’s immediate return, have influence over suspension decisions. Fan opinion, according to a non-representative survey by the magazine Bunkered, also favors Koepka’s return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially announced he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter the fifth season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau has not declared a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable star following Koepka’s exit.
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. Hailing from Viti Levu, Fiji, Singh uses an exemption based on his career earnings rank and will debut this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh played on the PGA Tour Champions, securing five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Faces Low TV Ratings in Second Season
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) is struggling with TV ratings in its second season, especially without Tiger Woods, who had driven strong viewership