Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, and Charley Hull launches 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 winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for thriving in top-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV. His 2022 move to Saudi Arabia primarily aimed to secure significant retirement earnings amid injury concerns. Questions remain whether Koepka had to buy out of his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are rife about Koepka’s next competitive venue — whether the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible possibly after a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, after Jay Monahan’s initial lifetime ban was softened. An essential question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 PGA Tour Championship end. This timing fits Koepka’s preference for a 2027 comeback under the PGA Tour’s compressed calendar featuring limited fields in high-profile $20 million tournaments. Such a return benefits PGA Tour Enterprises investors looking for marquee names.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might play the minimum, targeting favored and major events. Moreover, the PGA Tour’s governing bodies, including players’ directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might be lenient towards Koepka, echoing Rory McIlroy’s stance to allow his immediate play. Fan surveys, such as one by \”Bunkered,\” also support a return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season, with Crushers teammates Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continuing unchanged into the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable star following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Back on PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62 utilizing his career money list exemption. He is set to compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL TV Ratings Slump in Season Two
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) has seen declining TV ratings without Tiger Woods, who was a major draw in season one. The second season’s opening day on ABC attracted only 646,000 viewers, compared to 919,