Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes PGA Tour comeback at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contract year is not surprising, although questions linger. Did he have to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch captain?
Speculation is rife on which tour Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of initially lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the established tours? It seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship August 27-30, Koepka could compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, a perfect return timing fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum and why not the big events he likes. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient towards a five-time major champ; besides the board, the players’ directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately. This view is echoed by a majority of fans per a Bunkered magazine poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirms participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation on behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s current top-marketable player after Koepka’s exit. More details expected soon.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses an exemption based on career earnings and starts this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh