Ramifications of a Former LIV Golfer Making His Return to the PGA
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka is set to return to the PGA Tour through a newly approved Returning Member Program, a policy that also creates a pathway for several other LIV Golf stars to rejoin the tour. According to a memo sent to PGA Tour members and obtained by ESPN, Koepka is expected to make his return at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines from January 29th to February 1st, followed by the WM Phoenix Open the following week. In a statement, Koepka cited family reasons and expressed confidence in the PGA Tour’s new leadership, investor backing, and player equity model. The program applies to LIV golfers who have been away for at least two years and have won a major or the Players Championship since 2022, with Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith also eligible under its criteria.
The Returning Member Program comes with significant conditions and penalties. The reinstatement window opened Monday and closes February 2nd, with returning players required to commit to at least 15 approved or co-sanctioned events during the 2026 season. As part of his return, Koepka agreed to forfeit any player equity shares for five years, give up eligibility for the $100 million FedEx Cup bonus program in 2026, and make a five-million-dollar charitable donation. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described the equity forfeiture as one of the most significant financial repercussions in professional sports, estimating that Koepka could miss out on $50–85 million in potential earnings. Koepka acknowledged the economic consequences, stating that he understands and accepts them.
Although Koepka will be eligible for the four majors, the Players Championship, and full-field PGA Tour events, he will have to earn his way into the eight signature events through performance-based pathways, as he is currently ranked 244th in the Official World Golf Ranking due to LIV Golf’s lack of ranking points. The PGA Tour has approved expanded fields to ensure returning players do not take opportunities away from current members, and returning golfers may qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs and the Presidents Cup if they earn enough points. Koepka, who last played a PGA Tour event in March 2022 and left LIV Golf in December with one year remaining on his contract, becomes the most prominent figure to test the program. While some players have supported the idea of reunifying elite talent, his return is expected to generate debate as the tour balances competitive integrity, financial accountability, and fan demand to see the world’s best players competing together again.
