Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV 2026 debut, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV hasn’t fully provided him. He switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contract year is unsurprising, though questions remain about financial details and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour where he could be eligible immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, following the easing of previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the established tour? This key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t renewed after 2022.
Koepka reapplies for PGA Tour membership
His potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, right when the PGA Tour launches a compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields — the perfect re-entry timing fitting Koepka’s style. Also, PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a star of his caliber. Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I believe he’ll return, likely playing at least the minimum events, especially the big ones he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to marquee tournaments, he’ll participate in those too.\” With influence from Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods’ competition committee, plus fan support indicated by a Bunkered magazine poll, Koepka’s return seems increasingly likely.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf League 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau hasn’t announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation behind the scenes, especially following Koepka’s departure.
Other golf updates
Vijay Singh makes a surprising PGA Tour return at 62, leveraging his career earnings exemption to play the Sony Open in Hawaii this week after success on the PGA Tour Champions. Meanwhile, the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) suffers poor TV ratings in season two without Tiger Woods