Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh aims for another run, Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has formally withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs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. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, was only moderately motivated by LIV events. Having switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 amid injury concerns to secure his retirement funds, it’s no surprise he skips his final contractual season, although questions remain about buyouts or refunds of guaranteed money. Whether the 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch, is also uncertain.
Speculation grows on which tours Koepka will play next—immediately eligible on the DP World Tour possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, a ban significantly reduced from a lifetime suspension imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Allowing prominent LIV returnees challenges the PGA Tour’s dominant position, and the key question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership not renewed post-2022, seeking re-entry among players.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Reinstatement Sought
The possible suspension expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season during the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule comprising about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields—a perfect time for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, likely behind the new premier league, would welcome a star of Koepka’s caliber. \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently in the “Subpar” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum events, probably the majors he likes. If he qualifies for big events or gets invited, he’ll play those too.\” The player board and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have a say on suspensions; Rory McIlroy has openly supported Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans appear to agree, per a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact heading into its fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension yet, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s leading marketable star following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Makes PGA Tour Return at 62
Surprisingly, Vijay Singh is back