Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to official LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka, known as a fierce competitor at the highest level, seemed less motivated by LIV events. Having joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and financial security for retirement, his decision to skip the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain regarding potential buyouts or repayments. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
The big speculation circles around which tours Koepka will join next: The DP World Tour, where he could be immediately eligible, perhaps with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previously imposed lifetime bans were softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, seeking reinstatement into the player ranks.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring around two dozen $20-million events with limited, highly competitive fields—an ideal comeback scenario aligning with Koepka’s style. Investors backing the new top league under PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka might take some time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selectively the tournaments he favors, especially the major ones. Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return, and the competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, along with player directors and the board, hold influence over the suspension decision. A non-representative fan poll by ‘Bunkered’ also shows majority support for Koepka’s reinstatement.
DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 return
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain the league’s most marketable player following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh: PGA Tour comeback at age 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji returns to the PGA Tour at age 62 using an exemption based on his position in the career money list. He will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
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