Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start for 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, and Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected news? Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This, according to the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil, was amicably agreed upon. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level competitive environments, something only moderately evident during his LIV tenure. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns that threatened to end his career early, aiming to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractually obligated season is not surprising, though questions remain concerning whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. It is also uncertain if the 35-year-old remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would presumably grant him immediate playing rights, possibly against a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, after the previously lifetimes bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were drastically softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a star, benefits the rival tour which holds more influence? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement as a tour player.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with heavily limited, top-tier fields – an ideal timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s preferences. This would also be favorable for investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely backers of the new premier league, who would welcome another high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, I would say, focusing on the big events he likes. If he can qualify for or get into high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” There is even speculation that the PGA Tour might show leniency towards a five-time major winner – decisions about suspensions involve not only the board but also player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Start
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he