Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV debut in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains linked to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, which was somewhat lacking in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injuries threatened his career’s end and he sought a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions arise about buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will play on next: the DP World Tour where he could play immediately, potentially with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance since lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee strengthens the established tour? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which ended in 2022, to rejoin the player pool.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Reapplied for a Possible 2027 Return
His potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka could compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited elite fields. The timing suits Koepka well, and such a high-profile name would please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to top events, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, PGA authorities might overlook his suspension for the five-time major winner. Besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say and Rory McIlroy recommends allowing Koepka to play again. A fan survey by \”Bunkered\” shows a majority support this view.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Start
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter their fifth consecutive season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations after Koepka’s exit so the league does not lose another marquee player.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns