Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh aims for PGA comeback, 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 will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil announced this amicable agreement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund, so skipping the last contract year is unsurprising, though some questions remain. Did he have to buy out of the contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension on him following his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why hold grudges when LIV returnees, especially big names like Koepka, benefit the dominant tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, declared inactive post-2022, aiming to rejoin the Tour.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship’s conclusion August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027’s PGA Tour season adopting a condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited top-quality fields—the perfect comeback timing. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely hosting the new elite league, would welcome his return.
“He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,” Jon Rahm stated on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. “He will probably play at least some events, the big ones he likes. Then, qualifying or invited to top-tier tournaments, he’d play those too.” With a five-time major champion, Ponte Vedra Beach officials might soften suspension terms. Besides the board, player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence such decisions. Rory McIlroy recommends Koepka’s direct return. Fan opinion seems supportive per a ‘Bunkered’ magazine survey, despite being non-representative.
DeChambeau Confirms 2026 LIV Golf Participation
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the 2026 LIV Golf season. His Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will remain intact entering the fifth season. Interestingly, no general contract extension was announced. Behind-the-scenes agreements might exist aiming to keep the league’s key marketable star following Koepka’s departure. Further speculation is expected soon.
Vijay Singh, Aged 62, Returns to PGA Tour
Surprise move: Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62 years old. The three-time major winner from Fiji utilizes an exemption based on his career money list position and will compete this week at the