LIV Golf Adds Thomas Detry, Rising Aussie Elvis Smylie Ahead of 2026 Season

Thomas Detry

With its fifth season set to begin in early February, LIV Golf is reportedly adding two notable names to its roster: PGA Tour winner Thomas Detry and rising Australian star Elvis Smylie.

According to Tom Kershaw of The Times, Detry — currently 57th in the Official World Golf Ranking — will join LIV less than a year after capturing his first PGA Tour win at the 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open. The Belgian’s signing would mark LIV’s highest-ranked addition since Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton joined in 2024. Detry is expected to slot into Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC, with Harold Varner III reportedly moving to Smash GC.

Smylie, 23, is viewed as a natural fit for Ripper GC. The Australian’s biggest victory came at the 2024 BMW Australian PGA Championship, and he would replace Matt Jones, who was released after last season.

The reported signings come after a turbulent offseason for LIV, highlighted by Brooks Koepka’s departure from the league. Koepka’s exit has fueled ongoing uncertainty about LIV’s long-term stability and the broader divide in men’s professional golf. Rory McIlroy has said he would welcome Koepka back to the PGA Tour, though legal and procedural complications remain.

Koepka’s move has also drawn attention to Bryson DeChambeau’s contract talks. While DeChambeau has expressed interest in re-signing with LIV, he acknowledged that changes and improvements within the league are necessary.

LIV has made several adjustments this offseason, including moving to 72-hole events and expanding the league to improve its chances of earning Official World Golf Ranking points. Additional roster spots will be filled through this week’s Promotions event.

The 2026 LIV Golf season opens February 4–7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Troon Announces Partnership With Buffalo Creek Golf Club In Rockwall, Texas

Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce a partnership with Buffalo Creek Golf Club, a daily-fee club in Rockwall, Texas. Legacy Golf Properties LLC, a Kerrville, Texas-based company, recently purchased Buffalo Creek Golf Club and will operate the award-winning property. As part of the relationship, Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee management division of Troon, will provide agronomy, operations and sales and marketing advisory services for Buffalo Creek, while Troon Access members can play, save and earn points at the club.

Located 30 minutes east of downtown Dallas along the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, Buffalo Creek originally opened for play in 1992. The club features a 7,078-yard, par-71 golf course designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, a practice range, practice putting greens, and Betty’s Grille. With its rolling hills, majestic tree-framed fairways and pristine Championship Dwarf Bermuda greens, Buffalo Creek is annually ranked among the top courses in the Dallas area.

“Buffalo Creek is a special golf course in a thriving community, and we are eager to continue building upon what the Perry Family started here,” said Justin Jafarian of Legacy Golf Properties, which also owns Comanche Trace in Kerrville and Cimarron Hills in Georgetown, Texas. “The course is a wonderful addition to our portfolio of high-end golf experiences.”

Buffalo Creek’s Event Pavilion accommodates up to 120 guests and is the perfect setting for weddings, banquets, business meetings and family gatherings.

“Buffalo Creek has been a mainstay of high-level, quality golf in the DFW metroplex for over 30 years,” said Troon Vice President of Operations Jeff Thomasson. “Troon could not be more excited to work alongside Legacy Golf Properties as they expand their impressive portfolio of clubs.”

For more information on Buffalo Creek Golf Club, visit www.buffalocreekgc.com.

KemperSports Selected to Manage Lyman Orchards Golf Club

KemperSports portfolio continues to expand with premier daily fee property in Connecticut

KemperSports, a leading golf, sports, and hospitality experience company, announced today that it has been selected to manage Lyman Orchards Golf Club, a 45-hole public facility in Middlefield, CT. With a proven track record of managing premier public golf facilities across the country, KemperSports will bring its passion for golf and hospitality and guest-first focus to enhance the overall golf and lifestyle experience at Lyman Orchards while improving course conditions and enhanced customer service levels.

“KemperSports is the right partner to elevate the golf and hospitality experience at Lyman Orchards Golf Club,” said owner John Lyman III. “Their commitment to outstanding customer service and their passion for golf will ensure the club is on a bright path going forward.”

Located just 22 miles south of Hartford, CT, Lyman Orchards offers a pair of 18-hole championship layouts designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and Gary Player – the courses are aptly named the Jones Course and Player Course – along with a 9-hole Apple Course designed by Mark Mungeam. The Apple Course, which opened in 2012, was ranked as the No. 1 par-3 course in Connecticut.

Opened in 1969, the Jones Course at Lyman Orchards Golf Club is a masterpiece of classic golf course architecture that includes several risk/rewards opportunities throughout the course with strategic bunkering, subtle elevation changes, and expansive green complexes that fit seamlessly with the natural surrounds.

The Player Course opened in 1995 and was designed by 9-time Major winner, Gary Player. The course rambles through the apple orchards with large elevation changes and small greens.

“Lyman Orchards Golf Club is widely considered one of the best public golf facilities in Connecticut,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “We look forward to working with ownership and our new Lyman Orchards team members to elevate the golf experience through improved golf course conditions and enhanced programming.” 

Lyman Orchards also has a deep commitment to growing the game and has been widely recognized for excellence in golf instruction and player development, earning numerous honors from the PGA and LPGA in recent years. Awards include the Youth Player Development Award from the Connecticut Section PGA, recognition among the Top 50 US Kids Coaches and Top 50 Operation 36 Instructors, and distinction as one of the Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professionals. In addition, the facility has been home to recipients of the LPGA National Professional of the Year and LPGA Northeast Section Teacher of the Year awards. These achievements highlight Lyman Orchards’ long-standing commitment to growing the game and delivering an exceptional learning experience for golfers of all ages and abilities.

In addition to golf, Lyman Orchards Golf Club includes the 1741 Pub & Grill – a casual restaurant and bar serving year-round burgers and drinks, including Lyman Orchards own 1741 Connecticut Crisp hard cider.

KemperSports also manages Lake of Isles and Insports in the state of Connecticut.

LPGA, TMRW Sports Announce Formation of WTGL

Teams of LPGA Tour Stars will Compete in WTGL’s Inaugural Season, Coming Winter 2026-27

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.

“Partnering with TMRW Sports on WTGL reflects our belief that innovation can help the game reach new fans and create greater visibility for LPGA athletes,” said LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler. “I’ve seen how new formats can engage audiences while showcasing both athlete personality and performance, and WTGL brings that spirit of innovation to the women’s game. It creates another global stage for our athletes—one that helps fans connect more deeply with them and continues to elevate the visibility and growth of women’s golf.”

“In partnership with the LPGA, WTGL is another step in creating a modern, media-focused version of a centuries-old game that appeals to today’s sports fan. Since the launch of TGL a year ago, TMRW Sports has been putting the pieces in place to create a women’s league featuring the best players in the world. Now, along with the LPGA and its athletes, we look forward to creating a stage to help showcase the stars of the LPGA,” said Mike McCarley, founder and CEO, TMRW Sports. “WTGL’s short-form, team golf format will engage new audiences and complement the LPGA Tour’s global appeal.”

As a showcase for the skill, personalities, and team spirit of the participating LPGA stars, WTGL will build upon the foundation of TGL presented by SoFi’s success, which was described as a “high-energy arena spectacle” by Vanity Fair, “pure entertainment” by GQ, and “golf’s boldest new venture” by Fast Company. In addition to featuring foundational elements of TGL like mic’d up moments, risk-reward decisions and throwing the Hammer, WTGL will provide the same tech-driven platform with comprehensive shot performance data and statistics-based analytics built seamlessly into the competition. Additional details on WTGL will be announced in the coming months – to stay informed, go to WTGLGolf.com.

Season 1 of TGL drew one of the youngest audiences in sports, second only to the NBA, in both median age (52) and percentage of audience in the adults 18-49 demo (41%). To exemplify TGL and the PGA TOUR’s complementary relationship, research shows that 10% of TGL’s viewers who were PGA TOUR fans watched more PGA TOUR coverage last season and 32% of TGL’s viewers ages 18-34 did not regularly watch the PGA TOUR. TGL’s Season 2 is underway with its next match today at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN, featuring The Bay Golf Club (0-0) making its season debut vs. defending champion Atlanta Drive GC (1-0), which won the season- opening match on Sunday, Dec. 28 on ABC. TGL’s full schedule, SoFi Cup Standings and ticket information are all available at TGLGolf.com and to keep up to date, follow the league and TGL’s teams across your preferred social media platforms.

Kapalua Golf’s Plantation Course Plays On As Pristine Conditions Welcome Golfers

Vibes Upbeat Despite Cancellation of The Sentry

The first full week of the year is typically dedicated to the PGA TOUR’s best at Kapalua Golf’s Plantation Course. This year, with the cancellation of The Sentry tournament, the Top 100 Course is welcoming island visitors and Kama’aina (Maui residents) with pristine conditions.

“Our team is thrilled to be welcoming golfers to The Plantation Course and sharing this beautiful part of Maui with them,” said Kapalua Golf General Manager Alex Nakajima. “We would obviously love to be hosting The Sentry this week but understand why and when the decision was made by the PGA TOUR to cancel the tournament. In September, no one could have predicted that course conditions would improve so dramatically. It’s a credit to our amazing agronomy team that we’re seeing these incredible conditions.”

The Plantation Course reopened for public play on Monday, November 10, 2025. The golf course had been closed since September 2, 2025, to allow Kapalua Golf’s agronomy team to restore turf health following prolonged Tier 4 water restrictions (zero irrigation) that caused significant stress and damage to Kapalua’s two golf courses over the summer. On September 16, the PGA TOUR announced that The Sentry tournament would not be contested at The Plantation Course in January 2026.

Since early September, Kapalua Golf has remained on Tier 3 water restrictions which is a 60% reduction of normal water use and Kapalua Golf’s Bay Course has remained closed. At The Plantation Course, the drought-tolerant Celebration bermudagrass (on tees, fairways and rough) and TifEagle bermudagrass (on greens) – all planted during the 2019 renovation – have proved to be a major factor in the recovery. 

Tee times are available on The Plantation Course at www.GolfatKapalua.com. In addition, customized Maui Golf Vacations are offered via Troon Golf Vacations. The Best of Maui package offers four nights at Ritz Carlton Kapalua, multiple rounds at Kapalua, rental car and more starting at $797 (per person, per night, based on double occupancy). The Maui Golf Around package offers four nights at Napili Kai, three rounds and rental car starting at $557 (per person, per night, based on double occupancy).

Trump Administration Moves to Take Over D.C. Municipal Golf Courses, Ousting Nonprofit Operator

The Trump administration has taken its most consequential step yet in a growing dispute over Washington, D.C.’s municipal golf courses, revoking the lease of the nonprofit National Links Trust (NLT) and opening the door for federal control of the city’s public tracks.

On Wednesday, the Department of the Interior terminated NLT’s agreement to operate Rock Creek, East Potomac and Langston Hughes golf courses. The decision follows President Donald Trump publicly floating the idea of federal — and potentially personal — involvement in the courses’ future, saying he would make them “really beautifully.”

NLT, which won a 50-year lease in 2020, has overseen a widely praised revival of D.C.’s muni scene. The organization reports more than doubling rounds and revenue, investing over $8.5 million in capital improvements, and keeping green fees among the most affordable in the region — typically under $50 for 18 holes. It also secured pro bono design work from architects such as Gil Hanse, Tom Doak and Beau Welling, with a major renovation of Rock Creek recently underway.

Interior officials cited $8.8 million in unpaid rent as justification for ending the lease, a claim NLT strongly disputes. Under the lease terms, rent could be offset by capital improvements, which NLT says were approved by the National Park Service in amounts matching the government’s calculations.

While the administration has not explicitly detailed its long-term plans, Trump’s personal interest in golf — and in reshaping Washington’s physical landscape — looms large. The president owns more than a dozen courses worldwide and has recently focused on high-profile projects in the capital, fueling speculation that D.C.’s munis represent another opportunity to leave his mark.

For now, NLT will continue operating the courses during the transition back to federal control, but all work on the Rock Creek renovation has been halted. Longer term, local golfers worry about affordability. Trump-operated public-access courses typically charge well over $100 per round, though the president has suggested local rates would remain lower in D.C.

NLT leaders fear their vision — accessible, community-focused public golf — may not survive. “When you design for a $250 green fee, even if locals pay less, the course still caters to the $250 golfer,” NLT founder Will Smith said recently.

The move comes amid Trump’s broader re-engagement with the golf world, including hosting talks between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour and welcoming the Tour back to Trump National Doral in 2026 — a symbolic return after the event left the course during his first presidential run.

Betting Odds for the 2026 PGA Tour Season are Released

While the PGA Tour season continues to "wraparound" with non-stop action, we'll usher in a New Year this week so let's take a look at some of the storylines for 2026.

Scottie's dominance, Koepka's return, Rory's form and Tiger's health are all top of mind when we peer into 2026.

BetOnline.ag has posted a bevy of props surrounding those storylines, as well as a never-before-done market for PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. 

Of note, Tiger turned 50, which means he’s eligible for the Senior Tour. The odds suggest he’ll compete on the old-man circuit next year.

Will Scottie Scheffler miss a cut on PGA Tour in 2026?

Yes       -200
No        +160

Will Scottie Scheffler make cut in 4 majors in 2026?

Yes       -180
No        +150

Will Scottie Scheffler win PGA Tour POY in 2026?

Yes       -200
No        +160

How many majors will Scottie Scheffler win in 2026?

0          -130
1          +225
2          +600
3          +1600
4          +8000

Will Rory McIlroy make cut in 4 majors in 2026?

Yes       -125
No        -105

How many majors will Rory McIlroy win in 2026?

0          -350
1          +400
2          +1100
3          +5000
4          +25000

Will Brooks Koepka regain his PGA Tour card in 2026?

Yes       +1000
No        -3000

Will Tiger Woods compete in a PGA Tour event in 2026?

Yes       -120
No        -120

Will Tiger Woods compete in a PGA Tour Champions event in 2026?

Yes       -300
No        +240

2026 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year

Marco Penge                            5/1
Johnny Keefer                           6/1
Rasmus Neergaard Petersen      7/1
Kristoffer Reitan                        8/1
Chandler Blanchet                     11/1
Jordan Smith                             12/1
Christo Lamprecht                     18/1
John Parry                                20/1
Dan Brown                               22/1
Adrien Saddier                          22/1
Keita Nakajima                          25/1
S.T. Lee                                     25/1
Jeffrey Kang                              25/1
Zach Bauchou                           25/1
AJ Ewart                                   28/1
Kensei Hirata                            28/1
Emilio Gonzalez                        28/1
Davis Chatfield                          33/1
Pontus Nyholm                         33/1
Sudarshan Yellamaraju              35/1
Marcelo Rozo                            40/1
John VanDerLaan                      40/1

2026 PGA Tour ROY odds can be seen here: https://www.betonline.ag/sportsbook/futures-and-props/futures/2026-pga-tour-rookie-of-the-year