Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, and Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains affiliated with the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit on the biggest stages, was less motivated by LIV events. He joined LIV in 2022 anticipating an early career end due to injuries and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His opting out of the final contractual season raises questions about payout settlements and whether he will remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds on Koepka’s next tour appearances. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, potentially paying a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension after his last LIV event applies, following a reduction of former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, after which Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season. The PGA Tour plans a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring smaller, elite fields—ideal for Koepka’s comeback. His return would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. And if he qualifies for others or can participate, he will.\” The decision on his suspension involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, would support Koepka’s immediate return. Fans seem to share this view, as shown by a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri enters the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements preventing the league from losing another top LIV player after Koepka.
Vijay Singh’s Surprising PGA Tour Return at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh, the three-time major winner from Fiji, returns to the PGA Tour at 62. Using his career money list exemption, he will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, Singh competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship