Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level play, found limited motivation in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 after injury doubts about his career, he aimed to secure a substantial retirement fund. His skipping the last contracted season raises questions about any buyout or repayment of guaranteed fees and whether he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next — immediately eligible for the DP World Tour likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. Reports from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach indicate Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An August expiry of his suspension coincides with the 2026 season end. Koepka would be eligible for the new PGA Tour schedule in 2027 featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — ideal for his return and favorable to PGA Tour Enterprises investors. Jon Rahm recently expressed belief in Koepka’s PGA Tour return, expecting him to compete selectively in big events. The PGA Tour competition committee led by Tiger Woods, alongside the board and player directors, may waive suspensions, following Rory McIlroy’s support for Koepka’s return. Fan surveys also show a majority in favor.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season, continuing with the Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri for the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a long-term contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements aiming to retain LIV’s top marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62, using an exemption based on his career money ranking. He is scheduled to compete in the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, having previously played on the PGA Tour Champions where he won five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles Without Tiger Woods
The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) has seen poor TV ratings in its second season start, with the opening day drawing 646,000 viewers on ABC, down from 919,000 on ESPN the previous year. Without Tiger Woods, whose appearances drove strong ratings, the league struggles to maintain momentum despite its tech and social media hype. Founders Woods, Rory McIlroy, and partner Mike McCarley