Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns to PGA at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube soon. 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 will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was a friendly agreement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV hasn’t fully provided. He initially joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injuries and to secure a comfortable retirement. Questions remain whether he had to buy out of his contract or return part of his guaranteed payout, and if he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next—on the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty, or returning to the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the easing of previously lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. It seems the key question is partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership from 2022 and rejoin the players’ ranks.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Reinstated
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship finishing August 27-30. Eligible for 2027, Koepka could join the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—an ideal comeback opportunity. PGA Tour Enterprises, likely backing the new top tier, would welcome his marketability.
Jon Rahm recently told the ‘Subpar’ podcast: ‘He might need time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not play tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to big events, he’ll play those too.’ The player directors and a competition committee led by Tiger Woods, alongside the board, have influence over suspensions, with Rory McIlroy supporting Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans appear supportive, according to a non-representative survey by ‘Bunkered’ magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continues unchanged into the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain one of LIV’s most marketable players following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour. The three-time major winner from Fiji uses his career money list exemption and will compete at