Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch 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 champion remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to official LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, had limited motivation in LIV and had joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and financial security for retirement. Speculation surrounds whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed purse, and if he remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
More importantly, speculation grows about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he’d be eligible immediately possibly subject to penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance following the reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. This crucial question seems partially answered: journalist Mark Schlabach of ESPN reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the players’ circle.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, as the PGA Tour plans a condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields—an ideal time for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s operators, would welcome a high-profile name like Koepka.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he then qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, players’ directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold sway over suspensions and may follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. Surveys suggest many fans support this move.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continues into the fifth season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour, using exemption based on his position on the career money list. The three-time major winner from Fiji will start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this