Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launching 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 champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives at the highest level, which he only partially found in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared his career was ending due to injury and sought a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out? Will he remain owner of LIV’s Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch?
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he could play immediately perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, with lifetime bans softened. The key question seems partially answered: per ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending after 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship season finale. Koepka could be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited fields—a comeback slope fitting for him. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, backing the new top league, would welcome a star like Koepka.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the majors. If he qualifies or is invited, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee might be lenient toward a five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back. A fan majority also supports this, per a ‘Bunkered’ survey.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
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 season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a full contract extension, stirring speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable figure after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour using an exemption from his career earnings rank. The three-time major champion from Fiji will play this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
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