Today in Golf

On January 13th, 2026, we break down the historic reinstatement of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour, the massive financial penalties involved, and Anthony Kim’s shocking health revelation.THE RETURNING MEMBER PROGRAMBrooks Koepka becomes the first LIV defector to officially return, accepting a brutal penalty package to tee it up at Torrey Pines and TPC Scottsdale.The cost of doing business: A $5M charitable fine and a 5-year ban from the Player Equity Program estimated to cost him between $50-$85 million.The "Ultimatum" clock is ticking for Rahm, Bryson, and Cam Smith, while Phil, DJ, and Reed are officially locked out by the "Tiger Woods 4D Chess" eligibility clause.THE RESURRECTION OF AKWhile Richard T. Lee won the LIV Promotions event, the golf world is reeling from Anthony Kim qualifying and revealing a near-death experience from three years ago.Doctors gave him "two weeks to live," but now he’s back with a tour card and a message for his haters: "SUCK IT."A look at the raw emotion of Kim's return versus the disappointment for Chase Koepka.TROUBLE IN PARADISEThe Sentry is officially cancelled as the legal war over Kapalua’s water infrastructure ends in a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling favoring cultural practices over irrigation.Farmers Insurance confirms they are ending their 17-year sponsorship after 2026, adding to the Tour's headache.How a local dispute between TY Management and Maui Land and Pineapple toppled a Signature Event.Quick HitsVijay Singh tees it up at 62 • Matt Kuchar blasts shrinking fields • Brandel Chamblee vs. "He Earned It"

We break down the emotional scenes at LIV Promotions, Anthony Kim’s stunning admission, and the rumors sending Thomas Detry to the 4Aces.LIV GOLF PROMOTIONSRichard T. Lee secures his spot at 11-under, but the spotlight belongs to Anthony Kim at Black Diamond Ranch following his emotional return to competitive golf.AK revealed that just three years ago, doctors told him he had "two weeks to live."He executed a miraculous falling-backward bunker shot on the 14th, joking, "if you are practicing that shot you need to quit."THE RUMOR MILLReports swirl that Thomas Detry is leaving the PGA Tour for DJ’s 4Aces, sparking wild theories about a "Special Exemption" loophole that could reinstate Brooks Koepka.Smylie Kaufman warns of potential lawsuits from suspended players like Hudson Swafford if the rules are bent for stars.Fans are revolting against Michael Block signing with Malbon Golf, threatening brand boycotts.Quick HitsPGA Tour leaving Hawaii by 2027? • WTGL Sim League launches • 62-year-old Vijay Singh at Sony Open

We break down the procedural hurdles facing Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy’s stunning change of heart on player penalties, and the emotional scenes at the LIV Golf Promotions event.THE REINSTATEMENT BATTLEBrooks Koepka’s return rests in the hands of the Tiger Woods-led Future Competition Committee, though a reported *Athletic* loophole regarding his "non-suspension" status could bypass the standard one-year wait. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy argues on *Stick to Football* that reputational damage is penalty enough.Quote of the Day: Brandel Chamblee counters the amnesty narrative: "Forgiveness without cost is not reconciliation, it is erasure."Social Watch: Pat Perez has already updated his Instagram bio to read "Reinstated to PGA Tour" before any official announcement.AK’S EMOTION & HOVLAND’S CRISISWhile Richard T Lee leads the LIV Golf Promotions event at Black Diamond Ranch, the spotlight belongs to Anthony Kim, who pulled off a miraculous par save after finding the water in a gritty Round 3 performance.Candid Admission: Viktor Hovland admits he is currently "terrible at chipping" following a roadside existential crisis in Mississippi.The Human Element: Kim’s emotional reaction on the course was fueled by the presence of his wife Emily and daughter Bella watching from the gallery.Quick HitsFarmers swaps Torrey Pines for TGL • Vijay Singh uses Career Money Exemption • Charley Hull takes on Jason Day

On January 10th, 2026, we break down the fallout from Brooks Koepka’s official PGA Tour reinstatement application, Jon Rahm’s standoff over fines, and Anthony Kim’s dramatic survival at Black Diamond Ranch.THE REINSTATEMENT SAGABrooks Koepka officially filed for PGA Tour reinstatement on Jan 9, triggering a complex disciplinary review by player directors rather than a simple rubber-stamp approval.While Rahm predicts a limited schedule, Bryson DeChambeau takes a hardline stance, arguing the Tour "should do it by the book and not give any special exemption."The move is heavily influenced by family following his wife Jena’s miscarriage, with management confirming that "Family has always guided Brooks' decisions."RAHM’S REVOLT & AK’S SURVIVALJon Rahm appeared on *Subpar* refusing to pay $3M in DP World Tour fines and defending Pat Perez’s "ridiculous" suspension that is delaying his Champions Tour debut.Anthony Kim survived a thriller at the LIV Golf Promotions event, using a miracle chip-in on the 13th and a clutch birdie on the 18th to advance.AK described the round as a mirror of his "roller coaster" life perspective, while Richard T. Lee holds the lead at Black Diamond Ranch.BUSINESS, TAKES & TIGER’S 50THFarmers Insurance will end its sponsorship of Torrey Pines after 2026, while Brandel Chamblee questions Vijay Singh taking a spot at age 62 over younger talent.Michael Kim shuts down rumors of Bryson retiring to YouTube, confirming the Crusher is staying on the course.Tiger Woods celebrated his 50th at The Breakers with Jon Bon Jovi and a "greatest hits" menu of burgers and sushi.Quick HitsRolapp’s field size plans • Pat Perez’s broadcasting ban • Farmers exits Torrey Pines

We break down the fallout of Brooks Koepka officially leaving LIV Golf, the heated debate over his potential return, and the controversy surrounding Vijay Singh’s exemption at the Sony Open.THE KOEPKA FALLOUTBrooks Koepka is officially leaving LIV Golf, sparking a massive philosophical divide. Rory McIlroy argues for an immediate return to boost the product, while Brandel Chamblee is furious, claiming a penalty-free comeback destroys the Tour's "meritocratic foundations."Quote: Rory McIlroy on Brooks returning: "Does it make sense... Absolutely."The Angle: Jon Rahm predicts a "light schedule" for the returning star, suggesting we won't see Brooks grinding every week.SONY OPEN DRAMA & HAWAII BLUESControversy erupts at the Sony Open as 63-year-old Vijay Singh utilizes a Career Money List exemption, drawing ire for taking a spot from younger talent. Looming over the event is the report that the PGA Tour may leave Hawaii entirely by 2027 due to SSG financial pressure.Quote: Lou Stagner calls Singh’s entry "RIDICULOUS."The Angle: Matt Kuchar declined his own exemption to "respect the ecosystem," highlighting the contrast in veteran approaches.Quick HitsRichard T. Lee leads LIV Promotions by 2 • Suteepat Prateeptienchai prepped at Disney World • Max Kennedy risks PGA Tour ban • Tiger’s 50th menu: Fajitas, Sushi & Milkshakes • TGL viewership plummets 65%

We break down the LPGA’s corporate shift to Memorial Park, take you inside Tiger Woods’ lavish 50th birthday gala, and analyze the fallout from the PGA Tour’s ban on LIV qualifier participants.THE END OF POPPIE’S PONDThe Chevron Championship is officially heading to Memorial Park, aligning the LPGA and PGA Tour under one Houston infrastructure. It’s a massive corporate play that signals the definitive end of the desert leap tradition.The Quote: Executives Craig Kessler and Laura Lane highlight the "dual-tour synergy" driving the relocation.The Last Splash: Mao Saigo goes down in history as the final champion to ever take the plunge.TIGER HITS THE BIG 5-0We got the exclusive scoop on Tiger’s "RED Celebrating Legacy" bash at The Breakers. It wasn't just a party; it was a bridge between history and finance, with Arthur Blank supporting the TGR Foundation’s massive campaign.The Scene: A Masters-inspired menu paired with a private performance by Jon Bon Jovi.Money Moves: Cyndi Court details the push toward the foundation's $50M fundraising goal.HIGH STAKES AT BLACK DIAMONDThe LIV Golf Promotions qualifier turned chaotic as the PGA Tour enforced a one-year ban for participants, forcing last-minute withdrawals. Meanwhile, Anthony Kim continues his fascinating identity shift while trying to reclaim his game.Comeback Trail: Chase Koepka returns to competition following severe nerve damage and surgery.The Ban: The "unauthorized tournament" designation remains the ultimate leverage tool.Quick HitsAtlanta Drive GC takes the TGL crown • Cantlay’s "expected value" strategy pays off • Scheffler eyes the Grand Slam at Shinnecock • Spieth’s wrist surgery puts U.S. Open status in doubt

We break down the official launch of the WTGL, Rory McIlroy’s call for peace, and the political battle threatening DC’s public courses on this Wednesday, January 7th, 2026.THE WTGL ARRIVESTMRW Sports officially unveils the WTGL, a tech-infused league launching Winter 2026-27 at the SoFi Center, aiming to replicate the TGL model for the women's game with Lexi Thompson leading the charge.CEO Mike McCarley and Commissioner Craig Kessler emphasize "modernization" and "star-building" as the core pillars of the new venture.The league aims to capture a primetime audience, finally giving LPGA stars the high-tech stage previously reserved for the men.LIV MOVES & RORY’S PIVOTThe transfer market heats up as Thomas Detry signs with the 4Aces and Elvis Smylie joins the league, while young stars Akshay Bhatia and Si Woo Kim reportedly reject offers to stay on the PGA Tour.Rory McIlroy tells the "Stick to Football" podcast that defectors like Bryson and Brooks should return without fines, arguing that "reputational damage" was punishment enough.Michael Kim sparks a debate on social media regarding the value of legacy versus immediate cash payouts.DC CRISIS & TIGER AT 50A crisis hits the capital as the Trump Administration terminates the National Links Trust lease, putting historic courses like East Potomac and the jobs of their employees at immediate risk.Tiger Woods hits the half-century mark, sparking speculation about a potential Champions Tour debut and his inevitable shift toward a Ryder Cup Captaincy role.Reports from Joe Pompliano and Garrett Johnson highlight the immediate fallout for the local DC golf community.Quick HitsAnthony Kim & Chase Koepka at LIV Promotions • Paige Spiranac opens up on anxiety • Bob Mac commits to The AmEx • Lush conditions at the cancelled Sentry

We break down the fallout of Brooks Koepka’s LIV departure, Bryson DeChambeau’s contract posturing, and the Woods family’s eventful week at the Junior Orange Bowl.LIV GOLF FALLOUTBryson DeChambeau admits he was "shocked" by Brooks Koepka’s exit and hints at using the power vacuum for his own contract leverage. Meanwhile, the desperate scramble for three spots begins at the LIV Promotions event at Black Diamond Ranch.Miguel Tabuena risks a functional two-year PGA Tour ban to play, stating his goal is simply to "provide for Sandra and Paloma."Anthony Kim and Chase Koepka headline a field of players fighting for their professional lives in Florida.TIGER & CHARLIECharlie Woods finishes T-22 at the Junior Orange Bowl, but the headline is a scary "freak sequence" where a ball ricocheted off a root near his face under the watchful eyes of Tiger and Elin Nordegren.Projections show Tiger could be mathematically unranked with zero OWGR points by the time the 2026 Open Championship arrives.Social media roasts Tiger’s off-center Sun Day Red belt while he praises Charlie’s recovery with a "Hell of a shot."DC GOLF WARS & CLASS ACTSBacklash grows over the Trump Administration terminating the National Links Trust lease in DC, with critics fearing the end of affordable public golf at East Potomac.Matt Ginella calls the move "indefensible," comparing Doral’s $595 fees to the accessible $40 rates currently in DC.Tommy Gainey shows pure class by withdrawing from the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic to give a younger pro a shot because it’s "ten times harder" now.Quick HitsWest Essex Clubhouse fire • Sony Open & Dubai Invitational preview • Tiger's belt fashion police

We break down Rory McIlroy’s pivot to open recruitment following Brooks Koepka’s LIV exit and recap a wild night in the TGL dome on January 4th, 2026.FROM COLD WAR TO HEADHUNTINGThe professional golf narrative has officially shifted from a "Cold War" to open recruitment, as Rory McIlroy publicly courts Brooks Koepka for TGL immediately following Koepka's contract termination."I would love him to play." — Rory McIlroy, stating his belief that the reputational damage suffered by LIV defectors is sufficient punishment without further bans.The exodus is getting real: Bryson DeChambeau admits "shock" at the move, while Kevin Na’s social media activity threatens the Korea event and Pat Perez teases a jump to the Champions Tour.BOSTON COMMON STRIKES BACKRory’s Boston Common Golf finally secures a win in TGL Season Two, taking down Los Angeles Golf Club 7-5 behind a breakout performance from the new blood.Rookie Michael Thorbjornsen was the MVP, draining four putts from over ten feet, including the game-winning eagle against Sahith Theegala.Thorbjornsen provided the most human moment of the night, recovering from a "relatable" bunker flub to play the hero down the stretch.THE DC GOLF SHAKEUPThe Trump Administration is reshaping capital golf, partnering with Jack Nicklaus to renovate Courses at Andrews while simultaneously terminating the National Links Trust lease for affordable tracks like Rock Creek and Langston."We need an on ramp for golfers." — Damian Cosby on the danger of losing accessible municipal courses in the district.A stark contrast in philosophy: High-profile military course renovations vs. the potential loss of historic, affordable public links.Quick HitsTragedy in Switzerland: Remembering junior golfer Emanuele Galeppini • Charlie Woods pulls off a recovery shot at the Junior Orange Bowl with Tiger watching • Tommy Gainey’s classy WD for the next generation • Justin Rose chasing ball speed and Masters revenge