The PGA Tour has made a significant announcement, revealing a new pathway for former members to return to the American circuit. This move comes as five-time major champion Brooks Koepka prepares to make his comeback at the end of January. Koepka's return is made possible through a new returning member programme, which has also opened the door for other notable golfers, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, to potentially rejoin the PGA Tour from LIV Golf.
Koepka, who controversially quit the PGA Tour to join LIV in 2022, will make his return at the Farmers Insurance Open, held at Torrey Pines in California between January 29 and February 1. As part of his return, Koepka has agreed to make a charitable donation of $5 million and will forego any payment from the FedExCup Bonus scheme during the 2026 season. Additionally, he will be ineligible for the Tour's player equity programme between 2026-2030, which could result in a significant financial loss, estimated to be between $50-85 million.
"When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the PGA Tour, and I am just as excited to announce that I am returning," said Koepka. "I believe in where the PGA Tour is headed with new leadership, new investors and an equity program that gives players a meaningful ownership stake. I also understand that there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept those."
The PGA Tour's decision to allow Koepka to return earlier than expected has sparked interest in the potential return of other prominent golfers. The new returning member programme, which is only available for the 2026 campaign, is open to players who have been away from the PGA Tour for at least two years and have won The Players Championship or a major between 2022-25. This criteria makes Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith eligible to return from LIV Golf, although the window for return closes on February 2.
In a statement, PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp emphasized that the programme is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations. "This is a unique set of circumstances," said Rolapp. "Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again."
LIV Golf has responded to the PGA Tour's announcement, releasing a statement that champions an open ecosystem and freedom for all golfers. "LIV Golf's vision remains unchanged - to grow the game of golf globally," the statement read. "And as that vision gains momentum across the broader golf landscape, the capacity to deliver on it continues to strengthen by expanding pathways and opportunity beyond any single institution or interest."
Koepka has already committed to play in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, held on February 5-8. As the golf world waits to see if other prominent golfers will follow in Koepka's footsteps, one thing is certain - the PGA Tour's decision to allow Koepka to return has sent shockwaves throughout the golf community, and the implications of this move will be closely watched in the coming months.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
