Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh eyes PGA comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has reportedly opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner wishes to stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This official statement comes from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive athlete who thrives in top-level sports battles, something he found limited in LIV. In 2022, Koepka primarily joined LIV due to injury doubts about his career’s longevity, aiming to secure a decent retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contract year isn’t surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guarantee? Does he still own LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculations abound about Koepka’s next course appearances. Will he play on the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or will he return to the PGA Tour, serving a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, as former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the established Tour? This crucial question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking re-entry among the players.
Koepka reapplies membership as PGA Tour return looms
Koepka’s potential suspension expires in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale, the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events and limited, highly competitive fields. The timing aligns well with Koepka’s preferences and would please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new premier league eager for marquee names.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\”: \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play basics, maybe just the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for marquee tournaments or gains entry, he’d compete in those too.\” Also, waivers on Koepka’s suspension might be granted by the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately. This opinion appears shared by a majority of fans according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, BDC has not announced an overall contract extension. Speculations about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s current most marketable star after Koepka are ongoing.