Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a fierce competitor who thrives on top-level matches, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed money. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour grants immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans were softened. This key question seems partly answered: per ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Koepka Applies for PGA Tour Membership
Koepka’s suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the 2026 season. He would be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited elite fields—an ideal reentry moment fitting Koepka’s style. This move would also be appealing to investors of PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s operators, gaining a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might return, playing selectively tournaments he favors, especially majors. Rory McIlroy supports a direct reinstatement, as does the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with player directors having input. A majority of fans seem supportive, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey and Anirban Lahiri, continues unchanged into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation on behind-the-scenes agreements aimed at retaining LIV’s most marketable active player following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprisingly, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, using an exemption based on his career earnings ranking. He is set to compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
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