Overview
- Brooks Koepka has been reinstated via the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program after agreeing to penalties that include a $5 million charitable payment and a multi-year forfeiture of player-equity shares.
- The reinstatement pathway runs through Feb. 2 and is limited to winners of a major or The Players since 2022, with Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith eligible but indicating they will stay with LIV.
- Rory McIlroy said LIV “hasn't signed anyone who moves the needle” and argued the league has spent $5–6 billion and may need to spend a similar amount again just to maintain its position.
- Wyndham Clark said he is torn about Koepka’s quick return, calling it frustrating that a player could earn heavily with LIV and then re-enter the PGA Tour under the new program.
- McIlroy opened 2026 by leading after Round 1 at the Dubai Invitational using new irons and a new ball, and Koepka is slated to make his PGA Tour return at the Farmers Insurance Open on Jan. 29.