Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level challenges, has been less motivated in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily to secure his retirement due to injury concerns. It’s unclear if he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. Despite this, he remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation intensifies about where Koepka will appear next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following the easing of previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, aiming for reinstatement.
Koepka Reapplies for PGA Tour Membership
An eventual suspension expires in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressed into about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback timing aligned with his preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka \”might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invites to top events, he will play those too.\” The decision on the suspension involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans seem supportive, as a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” suggests.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri enters its fifth season unchanged. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about undisclosed arrangements behind the scenes to retain the league’s prominent and marketable star after Koepka.
Other Golf News Highlights
Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, using his career money list exemption and starting at the Sony Open in Hawaii. The 3-time major champion has won