Brooks Koepka will make a sensational PGA Tour return earlier than the top of January underneath the brand new Returning Member Program, following his departure from the LIV Golf League.
Koepka has been ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour since becoming a member of LIV Golf in 2022 however confirmed in December that he was parting methods with the Saudi-backed circuit, regardless of reportedly having one yr left on his contract.
The five-time main champion utilized to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, resulting in a programme being launched to supply a route again for a restricted group of ‘elite performers’ to return.
Solely gamers who’ve been away from the PGA Tour for at the least two years and have gained The Gamers or a serious during the last 4 seasons are eligible for the programme, with Koepka now set to make his comeback on the Farmers Insurance coverage Open from January 29-February 1.
“When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the PGA Tour, and I am just as excited today to announce that I am returning to the PGA Tour,” Koepka stated in an announcement. “Being nearer to residence and spending extra time with my household makes this chance particularly significant to me.
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Have a look again at the most effective of Brooks Koepka’s 5 main victories, with three PGA Championship titles and two US Open wins – to date – throughout his profession
“I imagine in the place the PGA Tour is headed with new management, new buyers, and an fairness program that provides gamers a significant possession stake. I additionally perceive there are monetary penalties related to this resolution, and I settle for these.
“Finally, I want to thank the fans. Your support means more to me today than ever before, and I look forward to seeing you soon at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open.”
Brooks Koepka final featured in a PGA Tour occasion – outdoors of the majors – in March 2022
Might others observe Koepka?
Koepka has agreed – on the PGA Tour’s request – to make a $5million (£3.7m) charitable donation as a part of his reinstatement, whereas main winners Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith are the one different gamers who would at the moment be eligible for the returning programme.
That trio have till February 2 in the event that they want to be part of Koepka in being reinstated to the PGA Tour for the 2026 season, which makes them eligible for The Gamers and full-field occasions – underneath their previous winner’s exemptions – however having to qualify for the Signature Occasions.
Monetary penalties for returning together with a five-year ban from fairness from the Participant Fairness Program and being ineligible for any cost from the FedExCup Bonus Program, which in Koepka’s case is roughly $51-85m (£38-63m) in potential earnings.
In a memo to PGA Tour members, CEO Brian Rolapp stated: “This initiative is a direct response to a unique situation.
“On December 23, 2025, Brooks Koepka notified the PGA TOUR that his earlier affiliation had concluded, and he subsequently utilized for reinstatement of TOUR membership. This prompted the Boards to guage how greatest to reply in a method that serves our followers, gamers and companions.
“In evaluating the situation, our objectives were clear: (1) make the PGA Tour stronger, (2) preserve playing opportunities for current members and (3) deliver on fan desire to see the best players in the world back on our tour, while ensuring Returning Members must accept severe yet appropriate financial consequences.
“We acknowledge there could also be questions on how this coverage holds a returning participant accountable, particularly after incomes substantial compensation elsewhere.
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Relive all of those that gained on the PGA Tour throughout the 2025 season, together with Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood and extra!
“Ultimately, by accepting membership in the Returning Member category, Brooks is making the decision to return to the PGA Tour now-something our fans want, and something that strengthens both the game and our organization.”
Fields shall be expanded to accommodate any results of Koepka – or some other participant eligible for the Returning Member Program – for Signature Occasions, Full-Area Occasions, Extra Occasions and The Gamers, that means no PGA Tour member will miss out on account of their return.
Former members who don’t qualify for the Returning Member Program can nonetheless apply to reinstate their PGA Tour membership, ought to they go away LIV Golf, though could be topic to extra disciplinary motion.
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Talking in November, Rory McIlroy described LIV Golf’s resolution to broaden its occasions to 72 holes as ‘peculiar’, with the circuit set to align itself extra with golf’s conventional excursions by transferring from three rounds to 4
Koepka is exempt via to the top of the 2028 PGA Tour Season, following his 2023 PGA Championship success. His return additionally makes him eligible to characteristic for Crew USA within the Presidents Cup this September and seem – ought to he want – within the TGL.
The previous world No 1 was changed by Talor Gooch as captain of Smash GC for the 2026 LIV Golf League season, which has seen its occasions expanded to 72 holes and begins in Riyadh from February 4-7.
LIV pledges dedication to ‘open ecosystem’
LIV Golf responded to the information with an announcement reaffirming their dedication to rising the sport of golf globally for all.
“From the outset, LIV Golf has championed an open ecosystem and freedom, for all. Not just for a limited few,” the assertion learn.
“One that supports players’ rights to compete across various platforms, reinforcing the belief that the growth of the game is best served when the game’s best players are empowered to seek the most competitive environments around the world.”
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