Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh aims for PGA comeback, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, found limited motivation at LIV. He joined in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contractual season is thus not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment obligations. It’s also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation intensifies about which tour Koepka will next appear on—DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, the lifetime bans having been softened. This important question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the players’ ranks.
Koepka Prepares for PGA Tour Return
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top-tier fields—ideal timing for his comeback. This move would also be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league, as they would gain another big-name player.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play the minimum and the tournaments he enjoys, especially the big ones. If he qualifies or gets in, he’ll play those too.\” Moreover, the PGA Tour’s suspension decisions involve board members, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who along with Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return. A fan poll by \”Bunkered\” similarly showed a majority favoring this return.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged going into the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation on possible behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s top marketable player after Koepka’s departure. More details to come.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62. The F