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1h ago

Koepka’s PGA Tour Return Splits Players as McIlroy Questions LIV’s Momentum

Koepka rejoined under a one-time program requiring a $5 million donation and five years without player equity, with the limited reinstatement window closing Feb. 2.

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Golf - The 2025 Ryder Cup - Bethpage Black Golf Course, Farmingdale, New York, United States - September 28, 2025 Team Europe's Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 3rd hole during the singles REUTERS/Paul Childs
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Overview

  • 2023 U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark said he is torn about Koepka’s reinstatement, calling it frustrating that a star could leave for LIV, cash in, and quickly return.
  • Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler backed the decision, with Woods noting Koepka will be an additive to fields and must play his way into signature events.
  • Koepka’s terms include forfeiting PGA Tour player-equity participation through 2030, a $5 million charitable donation, no 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and no sponsor exemptions into signature events.
  • The PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program is open through Feb. 2 to recent major or Players champions; Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith said they will stay with LIV for now.
  • McIlroy said LIV hasn’t landed any ‘needle-moving’ signings, as LIV executives tout billion‑dollar team ambitions and announce Dustin Johnson’s extension and Thomas Detry’s arrival.