At a Glance
- Brooks Koepka rejoins PGA Tour five weeks after leaving LIV Golf
- Financial penalty could reach $85 million in lost equity and bonus money
- Only three other LIV stars-DeChambeau, Rahm, Smith-have three weeks to decide
- Why it matters: Fans get to see top players together again, but the price tag is staggering
Brooks Koepka is back. The five-time major champion will tee it up at January’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, ending a five-week exile from the PGA Tour and triggering one of the stiffest financial penalties in modern sports.
The Deal
Under the new “Returning Member Program,” Koepka must:
- Donate $5 million to charity, with the tour helping choose the recipient
- Surrender PGA Tour equity grants for five years
- Forfeit 2026 FedEx Cup bonus money
- Qualify on merit for every signature event
Tour officials estimate the total hit at $50 million to $85 million, depending on how the 35-year-old performs and how long he holds future equity.
One-Time Offer
Brian Rolapp, CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, declared the program a “one-time, defined window” in a Monday memo to players obtained by Amanda S. Bennett. Only players who captured a major or The Players Championship from 2022-25 may apply.
That leaves a narrow three-week window for:
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Jon Rahm
- Cameron Smith
Rolapp warned: “Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.”
Board Approval
The player-majority board, chaired by Tiger Woods, approved the plan. Rolapp framed Koepka’s return as a “unique situation” that balances fan demand to see the best together with protection of current membership.
To safeguard fields, Koepka will be added to any signature event he qualifies for rather than bumping another player. If he makes the FedEx Cup playoffs, the tour will expand the field by one spot at each stage.
Koepka Speaks
In a brief phone call Koepka admitted uncertainty about a swift return.
“I’m grateful it’s come to this,” he said, acknowledging mixed locker-room reactions. “There’s definitely guys who are happy, and definitely guys who will be angry. It’s a harsh punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did that-it’s meant to hurt.”
Who’s Left Out
The program shuts the door on many LIV defectors, including:
- Dustin Johnson
- Phil Mickelson
- Joaquin Niemann
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Patrick Reed
Rolapp emphasized the tour’s focus on “recent highest accomplishments” and bristled at criticism the plan caters only to stars.
Contract Details
Koepka’s 2022 LIV deal, which he told Jake Paul’s podcast was worth “at least $100 million,” made the financial penalty possible. Rolapp conceded questions about holding a defector accountable “after earning substantial compensation elsewhere” but argued the move strengthens the tour.
What’s Next
Koepka remains exempt through 2028 thanks to his 2023 PGA Championship victory and can still play the Presidents Cup and the indoor TGL league. He cannot receive sponsor exemptions into signature events and must qualify via victory or season-long performance categories.
Key Takeaways
- Koepka’s return sets a pricey precedent for LIV stars seeking a way back
- The tour gains star power but keeps control through strict qualification rules
- Other eligible players have until mid-February to decide
- Financial pain is intentional, ensuring players think twice before future departures
