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PGA Tour Reinstates Brooks Koepka Under One-Time Returning Member Program

The new pathway carries steep financial penalties, preserving current members' opportunities.

Overview

  • The PGA Tour approved a narrowly tailored Returning Member Program and reinstated Koepka after his December departure from LIV Golf.
  • Koepka is slated to return at the Farmers Insurance Open on Jan. 29, followed by the WM Phoenix Open the next week.
  • Eligibility is limited to players who won a major or The Players since 2022 and have been away at least two years, with a commitment to play at least 15 events in 2026.
  • Terms require a five-year forfeiture from the Player Equity Program, no 2026 FedEx Cup bonus eligibility, and a $5 million charitable donation, with foregone potential earnings estimated at $50–85 million.
  • Signature events are not automatic for returnees, who must qualify via Aon Next 10 or Aon Swing 5, OWGR top 30, or a win; fields will expand to avoid displacing members, and eligible LIV winners Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith have until Feb. 2 to apply.