Brooks Koepka is set to make a sensational return to the PGA Tour by the end of January under the new Returning Member Program after leaving the LIV Golf League.
Koepka has been ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour since joining LIV Golf in 2022, but confirmed in December that he was parting ways with the Saudi-backed circuit despite reportedly having one year left on his contract.
The five-time major champion has applied for reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership, and a program has been launched to offer a reinstatement route to a select group of “elite performers.”
Koepka has been out of the world’s top 200 since joining LIV Golf.
Only players who have been away from the PGA Tour for at least two years and have won The Players or a major in the past four seasons are eligible for the program, and Koepka is scheduled to return at the Farmers Insurance Open, which runs from January 29 to February 1.
“As a kid, I dreamed of playing on the PGA Tour, and today I’m just as excited to announce my return to the PGA Tour,” Koepka said in a statement. “This opportunity is especially meaningful to me because it allows me to be closer to home and spend more time with my family.
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Let’s take a look back at the best of Brooks Koepka’s five major wins so far during his career, including three PGA Championship titles and two U.S. Open championships.
“I believe in where the PGA Tour is headed with new leadership, new investors, and an equity program that provides meaningful ownership for our players. I also understand and accept the financial penalties associated with this decision.”
“Finally, I would like to thank all my fans. Your support today means more to me than ever before. I look forward to seeing you soon at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open.”
Brooks Koepka last played in a non-major PGA Tour event in March 2022
Will others follow Koepka?
At the request of the PGA Tour, Koepka agreed to make a $5 million charitable donation as part of his reinstatement, but major winners Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith are currently the only players eligible for the reinstatement program.
The trio, along with Koepka, have until Feb. 2 to return to the PGA Tour for the 2026 season, which would qualify them for The Players and full-field events under the past winner’s exemption, but would require them to qualify for signature events.
Financial penalties for reinstatement include a five-year ban on shares from the player equity program and ineligibility for payments from the FedEx Cup bonus program, which in Koepka’s case would mean potential earnings of around $51 million to $85 million (£38 million to £63 million).
“This initiative is a direct response to a unique situation,” CEO Brian Rolup said in a memo to PGA Tour members.
“On December 23, 2025, Brooks Koepka notified the PGA Tour that his previous affiliation was terminated and subsequently applied for reinstatement of his Tour membership. This prompted the Board of Directors to consider how best to respond in a manner that serves fans, players, and partners.”
“After evaluating the situation, our goals were clear: (1) to make the PGA Tour stronger, (2) to preserve playing opportunities for current members, and (3) to meet our fans’ desire to see the world’s best players return to the tour, while ensuring returning members accept the harsh but appropriate financial consequences.”
“We recognize that there may be questions about how this policy holds players accountable when they return, especially after receiving significant compensation elsewhere.
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“Ultimately, Brooks made the decision to return to the PGA Tour by accepting membership in the Returning Member category, which is what our fans want and will strengthen both the game and our organization.”
The field will be expanded to accommodate the effects of Koepka or other players eligible for the Returning Member Program for Signature Events, Full Field Events, Supplemental Events, and The Players. This means no PGA Tour members will miss out as a result of their return.
Former members who do not qualify for the Returning Member Program may apply for reinstatement of their PGA Tour membership if they leave LIV Golf, but will be subject to additional disciplinary action.
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Speaking in November, Rory McIlroy called LIV Golf’s decision to expand the event to 72 holes “bizarre” and said the circuit is set to better fit golf’s traditional tours by changing from three rounds to four rounds.
Koepka will be exempt until the end of the 2028 PGA Tour season following his success at the 2023 PGA Championship. His return makes him eligible to compete as part of Team USA in the Presidents Cup this September, and also in the TGL if he wishes.
For the 2026 LIV Golf League season, former world No. 1 Tarah Gooch will be replaced as Smash GC’s captain. The league will expand the event to 72 holes and begin in Riyadh from February 4th to 7th.
LIV pledges commitment to “open ecosystem”
Following this news, LIV Golf released a statement reaffirming its commitment to growing the game of golf globally for everyone.
“From the beginning, LIV Golf has championed open ecosystems and freedom for everyone, not just a select few,” the statement said.
“We support the right of players to compete across a variety of platforms, reinforcing our belief that the game grows best when the game’s best players are empowered to seek out the most competitive environments around the world.”
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