Brooks Koepka is headed back to the PGA Tour, and he may not be the only LIV golfer to do so.
The PGA Tour announced Monday that Koepka has agreed to some strict regulations and financial penalties making it possible for him to return. He may not be the only one to accept the offer.
Under terms of plan, named the Returning Member Program, any golfer who has won a major or the Players Championship between 2022 and 2025, the years LIV Golf has been in operation, can reapply to join the PGA Tour. But the offer only stands until Feb. 2.
Koepka won the 2023 PGA Championship for his fifth career major title. The only other LIV golfers to win majors during that time are Jon Rahm (2023 Masters), Bryson DeChambeau (2024 US Open) and Cam Smith (2022 Open Championship).
The financial penalties for returning golfers are stiff. Koepka will not be able to earn any money from the Player Equity Program for five years, which could cost him between $50 million and $85 million. Koepka will also not be eligible to earn any FedEx Cup bonus money for 2026, and he will be required to make a $5 million charitable contribution to a charity jointly agreed upon by him and the tour.
PGA Tour CEO Scott Rolapp said this is a limited-time opportunity for the other three golfers who qualify.
“Other eligible players interested in seeking PGA Tour reinstatement must do so by the time the Returning Member Program closes on Monday, February 2,” stated Rolapp. “This is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.”
Koepka accepted the financial penalties and also realized not all current PGA Tour players will welcome him back.
“The penalty is significant, but I understand why they’ve done it. It hurts but it’s supposed to,” Koepka told Golfweek in a Monday phone call. “I’ve got a lot of work to do with the players and I want to do that one-on-one. I want to have those conversations, but behind closed doors.”
Koepka will make his return to the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open starting Jan. 29. He will be required to tee it up in a minimum of 15 tournaments but will not be allowed to play any of the signature events unless he qualifies for them through the season.
He has a full exemption into all regular tour events, and he will not take away playing opportunities from current members — fields will be expanded as needed.
The 35-year-old left LIV in December, saying he wanted to spend more time at home. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said the two amicably agreed on his departure despite the fact he had a year left on his contract.
Last week, Koepka formally applied for a re-instatement on the PGA Tour, which became possible under the new regulations.
“We will continue to aggressively pursue anything that enhances the fan experience and makes the PGA TOUR stronger,” said Rolapp. “This is part of our commitment to fans, who expect the world’s best players to compete on the PGA TOUR week in and week out.”
