Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV and initially switched in 2022 amid injury concerns and financial security plans. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary. Koepka also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will next compete. On the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly after a penalty payment, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Notably, each returning LIV player strengthens the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, ideal for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a star of his caliber.
Jon Rahm recently expressed belief that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing a minimum number of events and choosing ones he favors, including majors. The PGA Tour’s competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, and player directors hold sway on suspension matters, likely following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans also support this, per a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026, with his team, the Crushers, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, entering their fifth season unchanged. However, no general contract extension was announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s marketing star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh makes surprise PGA Tour comeback at 62
Three-time major champion Vijay Singh of Fiji returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, using his career money list exemption. Singh, who has competed mainly on the PGA Tour Champions winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship, is set to play the Sony Open in Hawaii this week.
Charley Hull to launch own YouTube channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s lead with over three million YouTube subscribers, English pro Charley Hull