Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, set to begin on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competitor circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, per LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. But Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022, believing injuries would end his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is understandable, though questions remain about buyouts or repayments. He retains ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife where Koepka will next appear: on the DP World Tour, where eligibility is immediate likely with a penalty; or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifetime bans were mitigated. Why hold grudges when returning LIV players benefit the established commission? This question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka recently formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after it lapsed post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship’s close (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—a perfect timing for a comeback. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely managing this new top league, would welcome a big name like him.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’d probably play selectively, focusing on big events he likes. If he qualifies for or is invited to top tournaments, he’d compete.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency given Koepka’s five majors, as the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence on suspensions, and they seem to follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back. Fan polls by \”Bunkered\” magazine suggest majority support as well.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 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 remain intact entering the league’s fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about hidden agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s exit. More to come on this front.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner Vijay Singh from Fiji will return to the PGA Tour at age 62. Utilizing an exemption based on career earnings, Singh will play the Sony Open in Hawaii this week. He previously competed on