Bryson DeChambeau confirms 2026 LIV start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull launches 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 champion remains affiliated with the competing circuit but seeks more family time. This amicable agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Yet, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping of the final contract year raises questions about buyouts and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, where Talor Gooch has become captain.
Speculation abounds on which tours Koepka might join next — the DP World Tour, where he may face fines but immediate eligibility, or the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after prior lifetime bans were notably reduced. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
Koepka Reapplies for PGA Tour Membership, Prepares for 2026 Return
Any potential suspension expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring approximately two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — an ideal time for his comeback. This move would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors eager for a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting Koepka would eventually return, likely playing selective tournaments and majors. The PGA Tour’s decision-makers including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy support reinstating Koepka, a sentiment echoed by a majority of fans according to a poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Other Updates from The Back Nine
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf season with his Crushers team unchanged, although no contract extension was announced. Vijay Singh surprises by returning to the PGA Tour at age 62, utilizing his career earnings exemption to start at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week after success on the PGA Tour Champions. Meanwhile, the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) struggles with TV ratings without Tiger Woods, needing new star power to maintain momentum.
On the digital front, Charley Hull will launch her own YouTube channel \”The Sweet Spot\” this summer, inspired by DeChambeau’s success. Jason Day cryptically announced \”I’ve quit\” on Instagram, fueling speculation about his future, possibly focusing full-time on the YouTube channel \”The Lads.\” Meanwhile, Tom Phillips is appointed new CEO of the Ladies European Tour, and Derek Sprague resigns as PGA of America CEO after one year citing family reasons.
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