Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the rival league but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns shortening his career and to secure a retirement fund. His opting out of the final contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Despite stepping back, Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are rife about Koepka’s next playing venues: the DP World Tour, where he likely holds immediate eligibility possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension starting from his last LIV event given recent reductions in prior lifetime bans. Surprisingly, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and desires reinstatement among tour players.
Koepka reapplies for PGA Tour membership
Koepka’s suspension could lift in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). This timing positions him ideally for a 2027 return aligned with the PGA Tour’s planned slate of around two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, elite fields. This scenario suits Koepka’s competitive spirit and would be attractive to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new premier league.
Jon Rahm, speaking on the \”Subpar\” podcast, expressed belief in Koepka’s return: \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the big events he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” The decision on his suspension involves PGA executives, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy advocating immediate reinstatement. Fan surveys by \”Bunkered\” show a majority support for Koepka’s comeback.
Other golf headlines
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter their fifth season intact, though DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations following Koepka’s departure.
At 62, Vijay Singh makes a notable PGA Tour return using his career money list exemption, set to compete at this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii after winning five titles on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior Players Championship.
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) saw weak TV ratings in its second season opener on ABC, drawing 646,000 viewers compared to 919,000 in the inaugural season’s first day on ESPN. The absence of