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DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith Spurn PGA Tour Path, Commit to LIV

The PGA Tour created a one-time reinstatement program with steep penalties following Brooks Koepka’s return.

Overview

  • Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith said they will not apply for PGA Tour reinstatement before the Feb. 2 deadline.
  • The Returning Member Program is limited to players away at least two years who won a major or The Players since 2022, a pool that includes only DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith.
  • Koepka’s return required a $5 million charitable donation, a five-year forfeiture of player equity estimated at $50–85 million, loss of 2026 FedEx Cup bonus eligibility and no automatic access to signature events.
  • DeChambeau said he is contracted with LIV through 2026, Rahm said he is staying with his team, and Smith pledged to remain with the league for years.
  • Koepka is set to play the Farmers Insurance Open from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, while LIV’s 72-hole 2026 season begins Feb. 4–7 in Riyadh.