Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour under one-time Returning Member Program with heavy financial penalties
Brooks Koepka will rejoin the PGA Tour under a one-time Returning Member Program, forfeiting equity and bonuses and making a $5 million charity donation jointly.
Overview
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, is returning to the PGA Tour five weeks after leaving LIV Golf under the new Returning Member Program.
Koepka forfeits eligibility for PGA Tour equity grants for five years, loses FedEx Cup bonus money for 2026, and agreed to a $5 million charitable donation.
He cannot receive sponsor exemptions to signature $20 million events and must qualify on merit; the Tour will expand fields to avoid displacing current members.
The one-time program applies only to players who won majors or The Players between 2022-2025; Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith have until Feb. 2 to decide.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described the deal as a 'unique' solution to reunite top players for fans while protecting current members and holding returnees accountable for prior compensation.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a punitive, protective move by the PGA Tour, emphasizing financial consequences and preserving member opportunities. Coverage foregrounds PGA Tour messaging—Rolapp's memo and terms like "ultimatum" and "meant to hurt"—while offering limited LIV perspective, privileging tour rationale and structural details over dissenting voices.
Sources (5)
FAQ
Koepka must make a $5 million charitable donation, forfeit PGA Tour equity grants for five years (2026-2030), and lose eligibility for 2026 FedEx Cup bonus money (potentially $51-85 million).
Only players away from the PGA Tour for at least two years who won a major or The Players Championship between 2022-2025: Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith, besides Koepka. They have until February 2, 2026, to apply.[1]
Koepka can play full-field events like the Farmers Insurance Open (January 29-February 1, 2026), The Players, and at least 15 events in 2026. He cannot receive sponsor exemptions to signature $20 million events and must qualify via Aon Next 10, Swing 5, wins, or top-30 OWGR. Fields will expand to avoid displacing members.
It was a unique response to Koepka's departure from LIV Golf in December 2025 and his reinstatement application, providing an expedited path for elite LIV players while imposing penalties to protect current members and ensure accountability.
Yes, they can qualify for FedEx Cup Playoffs via points without impacting others' eligibility, and are eligible for events like the Presidents Cup and TGL.
History
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