The PGA Tour’s new leadership announced its new policy to allow stars who defected to LIV golf to return to the tour, allowing Brooks Koepka to announce his immediate return.
Koepka’s return follows the introduction of a Returning Member Program, approved under newly inducted PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, that allows select former LIV Golf players to rejoin without serving a ban. The window applies only to players who have won a major or The Players Championship since 2022.
An open letter from PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp pic.twitter.com/jiuZk1RiLp
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 12, 2026
Koepka qualifies — and becomes the first to use the pathway — after four years with LIV Golf, where he earned more than $41 million on the course alongside a reported nine-figure signing bonus. He left LIV last month with a year remaining on his contract and immediately sought reinstatement on the PGA Tour.
Koepka will forfeit eligibility for the PGA Tour Player Equity Program for five years, a penalty the Tour estimates could cost him up to $85 million in long-term value. He has also agreed to additional financial conditions, including a $5 million charitable contribution.
The calculation from the Tour’s side is simple: a PGA Tour with Koepka in the field is stronger than one without him. Whether the move succeeds will ultimately depend on how Koepka performs.
Rolapp has made clear the policy is not a precedent. Eligible players Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith have until February 2 to opt in, days before LIV begins its new season. As of now, all three have reconfirmed their commitment to stay with LIV.
This is a significant change of attitude and both Rory Mcilroy and Tiger Woods have come out in support of the move by the PGA Tour. Fans will be curious whether any of the other major winners will be able to return any time in the future if they want.
Photo – PGA Tour
