Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, 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 winner remains linked to the rival circuit but requests more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, something LIV has only partially provided. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. Given this, it’s not surprising he skipped the final contractual season, though questions linger: Did he buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will next appear on: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans issued by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the tour holding the leverage? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the playing field.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, stirring speculation on hidden agreements aimed at retaining arguably LIV’s most marketable star 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 from Fiji is making a PGA Tour comeback using his career earnings exemption, teeing off this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles, including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles Without Tiger Woods
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) suffered weak TV ratings without Tiger Woods, its star draw in Season One. Season Two’s opener on ABC attracted only 646,000 viewers, down from 919,000 on ESPN last year. Subsequent matches drew even fewer viewers. Woods, along with partner Rory McIlroy and Mike McCarley, must find a new eye-catching star to regain momentum, a difficult task given Woods’ unmatched appeal.
Charley Hull Launches YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s lead with over three million subscribers, English pro Charley Hull announced plans for her own YouTube channel called The Sweet Spot, set to debut this summer. Hull, known for her eccentric, stylish outfits