Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level challenges, wasn’t fully motivated by LIV events. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement fund, his skipping the final contracted season raises questions about buyouts or refunds. It remains unclear if Koepka still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible, possibly with penalties? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previously imposed lifetime bans were substantially eased? This crucial matter seems partly resolved as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain him as a key LIV asset following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major champion Vijay Singh is returning to the PGA Tour. Utilizing an exemption based on his career earnings ranking, Singh will compete this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Previously, he played on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, securing five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
Tomorrow’s Golf League Struggles with TV Ratings
The second season of the Tomorrow’s Golf League has experienced weak TV ratings without Tiger Woods. The ABC network’s opening day drew only 646,000 viewers, down from 919,000 on ESPN during the premiere season. The second match between Atlanta and The Bay attracted just 354,000 viewers. The league’s founders, including Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley, face pressure to find a new star to sustain interest, as Woods remains unmatched as an audience draw.
Charley Hull to Launch YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s success with over three million subscribers, Charley Hull announced plans to start her own YouTube channel this summer. The 29-year-old English Malbon brand ambassador, known for her eclectic and sparkling style, revealed the news on the YouTube channel \”The Lads\” alongside Jason Day, shortly before their singles match at the Grant Thornton