PGA Tour Start

The unfortunate part of living in the Midwest is miserable weather in the winter. As I wake up this morning there’s an inch of snow on the ground and it’s fiercely blowing about the landscape. It’s almost a whiteout, 25 degrees, and windy. I think, as a Midwesterner, the reason we live here is for the summers which are outstanding. However, I long for the spring, when golf is in my sights again, just a few months away. 

I am excited for the first PGA tour event of the year! The Sony Open in warm and sunny Hawaii. It’s a reminder that golf season is approaching and I better get into the simulators and start practicing. I’m lucky to be able to go to Florida and play golf a few times in the winter. My husband and I usually plan a Spring golf trip but we are not going this year. 

This month I wanted to draw your attention to what’s happening on the PGA tour. It seems some of the top pro golfers who went to LIV are now regretting their decision and are coming back to the tour. One such person is Brooks Koepka.

His penalty involves making a $5 million contribution to charity and “forfeiture" of 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses and signature event sponsor exemptions, and no PGA Tour equity for five years, potentially costing him $50-$85 million in lost earnings,” according to Google. The PGA has a new “Returning Member Program” and for a limited time certain elite golfers can return to the PGA tour. Brooks Koepka has chosen to return and there’s a few others considering it as well, like Bryson DeChambeau. DeChambeau has a huge social media following so I’m sure his fans will be delighted to have him back. He really does bring an energy to the golf course each week. Rumor mill is he won’t return, but we can hope.

I was extremely disappointed in most golfers for leaving the PGA tour and defecting to LIV. I am happy that the PGA has left a path open for their return because I think we should all enjoy the competition of the best golfers in the world every week. I think I’m going to remain disappointed though. I feel betrayed in a way. Maybe I don’t understand why they left, to me it seemed like it was all about money. The money being offered by LIV was ridiculous and I’m sure it would be difficult to pass up. However, the elite golfers want to play the elite golfers every day, and the PGA knows that. So good for them to give the golfers a chance to return. 

Are you going to forgive and forget? Are you excited to see Brooks Koepka back on tour? I’m excited to hear your opinions this month. I think it’s going to be awhile before I can forgive these guys for leaving, I’m afraid I’m taking it personal. I think I can speak for most golf fans when I say very guardedly, “welcome back.” Look for Koepka’s return at The Farmers Open towards the end of January. 

GO BEARS!!!!!