Smash GC of LIV Golf today unveiled its official 2026-season roster, highlighted by the addition of Harold Varner III—marking one of the most buzzed-about signings ahead of the new LIV campaign.
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Brooks Koepka is set to rejoin the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open on January 29 under a new “Returning Member” program—but at a steep cost: ineligibility for equity grants through 2030, no FedExCup bonus money this season, and a mandated $5 million charitable donation.
At PGA Show 2026, Titleist introduced a completely redesigned Tour Soft golf ball featuring a new 386‑dimple pattern for more consistent flight, a softer, thicker elastomer cover for longer distance and better green‑holding performance.
Rory McIlroy reiterated today that the gulf between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf remains too wide for any merger or reconciliation, underscoring deep-rooted divisions despite improved relations at the player level.
Stewart Cink has been named the 2025 PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year, capturing three titles including the season‑ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship, and earning the Jack Nicklaus Award; Tommy Gainey was named Rookie of the Year.
In a headline-making moment tonight at the TGL indoor simulator league held at Florida’s SoFi Centre, Justin Rose achieved the first-ever albatross in TGL history—his first in any competitive setting. The 225‑yard ace on the par‑5 10th stunned opponent Tiger Woods' Jupiter Links Golf Club and propelled Rose’s Los Angeles Golf Club to an 8‑4 victory.
Rory McIlroy publicly called on Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm to settle their outstanding DP World Tour fines incurred by joining LIV Golf if they intend to remain eligible for future Ryder Cup selections—stirring debate within European team circles ahead of 2027.
Two major events begin on Thursday, January 22, 2026: The American Express launches across three La Quinta, California courses featuring a $9.2M purse and stars like Scottie Scheffler. Simultaneously, the Rolex Series kicks off with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in the UAE, headlining players including Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler makes his season debut this week at The American Express in La Quinta, aiming to gauge his form in the selective three‑course setup. Despite his stellar form, he seeks his first top‑10 finish at this event since 2020.
The season‑opening tournament The Sentry has been postponed as Maui’s severe drought and water restrictions have rendered the Kapalua Plantation Course unsuitable for professional play.