Monday, January 12th, 2026 Balls & Bogeys Golf News Edition

Photo: Aaron Doster / Imagn Images

Brooks Koepka Officially Applies to Regain PGA Tour Membership

– by Bob Harig / SI

Per Bob: “Brooks Koepka has begun the process of regaining his PGA Tour membership, the PGA Tour has confirmed with Sports Illustrated. The news was first reported by ESPN…”

B&B POV: We have never been huge fans of Brooks Koepka, the player. However, we’ve always been huge fans of his game. World-class. When he left for LIV, we said, “Good riddance!” Now that he is returning to the PGA TOUR, we hope his move inspires other superstars to do the same. Commissioner Rolapp and the tour are doing the right thing for the right reasons to invite Brooks, Bryson, Rahm, and the Stache back.

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Timeline of Brooks Koepka’s career, from first major win to LIV Golf chapter

– by Cameron Jourdan / Golfweek

Per Cameron: “Brooks Koepka is officially making his return to the PGA Tour this month.

The five-time major champion didn’t have to wait long after announcing last month his time competing for LIV Golf was done. Koepka will make his Tour return in two weeks at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California…”

B&B POV: Koepka’s return to the PGA TOUR won’t guarantee him immediate success between the ropes, especially in majors. But it’s a start in the right direction. He is a generational talent who has mostly stepped up on the biggest stages, under the brightest lights. Once again, we get to see him challenge himself to lift important trophies on the tour he should have never left.

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Anthony Kim survives LIV Golf Promotions, earns back LIV spot for 2026

– by Cameron Jourdan / Golfweek

Per Cameron: “Anthony Kim’s dreams of returning to LIV Golf nearly ended Friday afternoon. By Sunday, he officially clinched his spot back on the league for the 2026 season…”

B&B POV: Twenty-ish years ago, Anthony Kim was a phenom, winning tournaments on the PGA TOUR, pumping up crowds during Ryder Cup matches, and wearing belt buckles that screamed, “My guy! My guy has the balls to whoop on you, too!” Now, he’s middle-aged and doing his fledgling best to revive a once-promising career on the LIV circuit.

We give him kudos for keeping his status on LIV through the qualifying tourney. Let’s see what he can do this season to earn back some of our awe.

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LPGA, TMRW Sports announce formation of WTGL

– by TGL Staff / PGA TOUR

Per TGL Staff: The LPGA and TMRW Sports have announced the formation of WTGL, a new platform for team golf featuring the world’s best women golfers. Preparing for a launch in winter 2026-27, WTGL will feature teams of LPGA Tour stars competing across a season of fast-paced, team match play from the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

B&B POV: Year 2 TV audience sizes for Tiger’s and Rory’s TGL league (simulator golf on steroids) broadcasts are down. We recommend folding womens-only or co-ed teams into the existing TGL product versus launching a womens-only version of the league. Two cents. FWIW, we like TGL, but it’s definitely not a need-to-watch sports concept just yet.

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2026 Genesis Invitational at Riviera

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PGA of America CEO steps down less than one year into tenure as Derek Sprague aims to focus on family

– by Patrick McDonald / CBS Sports

Per Patrick:“Less than one year into his tenure as chief executive officer of the PGA of America, Derek Sprague has informed the association that he will be stepping down from his role. Sprague will return to New York to support his mother and mother-in-law, who both require increased care…”

B&B POV: The PGA of America is unquestionably a great organization, and its 35,000+ Members not only grow the game of golf, but they are THE GAME OF GOLF! They are the facility operators and coaches that ensure we all have a fun place to play, stylish and functional gear to buy, and tips to help us cure the shanks. The PGA is a huge organization that needs to re-establish continuity in its leadership so it can continue to hit home runs with its support for its Members and the broader golf community. Members who, in return, support our individual pursuits of golf greatness. Thank you, PGA of America, for all that you do for the game!

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FEATURED CURATED LESSON

‘From the vault: Tiger and Butch talk about proper putter grip pressure (lighter than you think!)‘

Watch the video lesson featuring a young, confident Tiger talk about his philosophy on putting grip pressure, and who helped to shape his approach. It’s a great story.

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