Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start for 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback attempt, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor energized by top-level contests, hasn’t been fully motivated by LIV Golf. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns about the end of his career and to secure retirement income. His decision to forgo the final contractual season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. It’s also unclear if he remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on which tour Koepka will appear next. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans were softened. It’s logical not to be vengeful, especially since high-profile LIV returnees strengthen the leverage of the PGA Tour. This question seems partially answered: ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a new schedule compressing roughly two dozen $20 million events with fully limited competitive fields – a perfect time for his comeback, matching his preferences. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, who likely back the top league, would welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He will probably play at least the minimum, maybe the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invitations to top events, he will play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner. Besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence on suspension decisions. Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a \”Bunkered\” poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he’ll compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue into their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain this prominent LIV figure after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62