Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, speculation remains. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on the highest-level sporting battles, has been less motivated in LIV. Having joined in 2022 mainly to secure a solid retirement fund after fearing an early end to his career due to injuries, his skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions linger about possible contract buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculations arise over which fairways Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights — likely with a penalty — or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. It makes sense not to be vindictive, as every returning LIV player benefits the well-established PGA Tour. This key question seems partially answered; ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking re-entry into the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension ends in August, coinciding with the PGA Tour Championship concluding the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning well with the PGA Tour’s compressed new schedule featuring around two dozen $20-million tournaments with highly selective fields — perfect timing for his comeback and attractive to PGA Tour Enterprises investors heading the new top-tier league.
“He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” Jon Rahm said recently on the “Subpar” podcast. “He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invitations to high-profile events, he’d certainly play those.” Perhaps, at the five-time major winner’s discretion, the PGA Tour may overlook his suspension. Besides the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods influence suspension decisions, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative poll by “Bunkered.”
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains unchanged going into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, which fuels speculation about behind-the-scenes deals to retain the league’s most prominent and marketable player following Koepka’s exit.