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Brooks Koepka set to rejoin PGA Tour after four-year hiatus
Following Brooks Koepka’s acceptance back into the American circuit, the PGA Tour has signaled a potential pathway for other major champions, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith, to return from LIV Golf.
Koepka, a five-time major winner, is slated to make his comeback at the end of January under a new returning member program, subsequent to his departure from the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Golf series.
As part of his return, the 35-year-old has agreed to a $5 million charitable contribution. Furthermore, he will forgo any payment from the FedExCup Bonus scheme during the 2026 season and will be ineligible for the Tour’s player equity program between 2026-2030, an amount estimated between $50-85 million.
The PGA Tour considers this estimate to be among the “largest financial repercussions in professional sports history,” based on “potential earnings depending on his competitive performance and the growth of the Tour.”
The player equity program allocates a share of $1.3 billion in equity grants amongst 213 PGA Tour players.
Koepka controversially left the PGA Tour to join LIV in 2022, securing five event victories over four seasons.
In December, he announced his departure from the lucrative breakaway league despite reportedly having one year remaining on his contract, and subsequently reapplied for his PGA Tour membership.
“From a young age, I always aspired to compete on the PGA Tour, and I am thrilled to announce my return,” stated Koepka.
“I have confidence in the PGA Tour’s direction under new leadership, with fresh investment, and an equity program that provides players with a significant ownership stake.”
“I also acknowledge the financial implications associated with this decision and accept them.”
Koepka’s desire for reinstatement presented a significant dilemma for the PGA Tour, with rules stipulating that he would not be eligible to compete again until August, one year after his last LIV appearance.
However, he is now scheduled to participate in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in California from January 29 to February 1, having been granted an expedited return to the PGA Tour.
The newly announced initiative stipulates eligibility only for players who have been away from the PGA Tour for at least two years and have won The Players Championship or a major between 2022-25.
This opens the door for Rahm (2023 Masters), DeChambeau (2024 US Open), and Smith (2022 Open Championship) to return from LIV; however, the PGA Tour statement indicated that this avenue would close on February 2.
Phil Mickelson, a six-time major winner, would be ineligible for return under these parameters, having won the US PGA Championship in 2021.
In a letter to fans, PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp stated that the program would only be open for the 2026 campaign and was in “response to a unique set of circumstances.”
“This is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations,” Rolapp stated.
“Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.”
Following Rolapp’s comments, LIV Golf issued a statement affirming its “championing of an open ecosystem and freedom for all.”
“LIV Golf’s vision remains unchanged—to grow the game of golf globally,” it continued.
“As that vision gains momentum across the broader golf landscape, the capacity to deliver on it continues to strengthen by expanding pathways and opportunity beyond any single institution or interest.”
“As the world’s golf league, LIV Golf continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging, and lucrative environments in which to pursue greatness on a global scale.”
Koepka is already committed to playing in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, scheduled for February 5-8.
Returning PGA Tour members will be required to participate in a minimum of 15 co-sponsored and approved tournaments in 2026.
Brian Rolapp has acted quickly to capitalize on Koepka’s departure from LIV.
It is a bold move, and he has made clear his desire to bring back LIV’s biggest talents by offering this return with no suspension time.
This is a potentially significant development, and LIV will be eager to retain Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith. The breakaway tour’s future could depend on their staying.
It would be difficult to see LIV remaining viable if their marquee stars lose faith in the project. Rolapp is aware of this, hence this strategic move by the PGA Tour boss.
All three would face financial penalties for leaving early and, like Koepka, would not benefit from equity shares in PGA Tour enterprises for five years.
However, they have already amassed significant wealth, and returning to a more competitive field and routinely larger tournaments may be an appealing prospect. Rahm has not performed as strongly since his move to LIV, and Smith’s form has declined.
Rahm would also secure his Ryder Cup future by accepting this offer, but disentangling LIV team contracts could prove to be a complex, costly, and litigious process.
‘PGA Tour faces huge dilemma over Koepka return’
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