Koepka returns to PGA Tour after accepting massive financial hit: “It hurts, but it’s supposed to”

Brooks Koepka will return to the PGA TOUR later this month after accepting painful financial consequences for his four-year sojourn with LIV Golf.

Three weeks after leaving the Saudi-funded tour with a year of his contract still to run, the five-time major champion (35) will return to action in the Farmers Insurance Open later this month and play the WM Phoenix Open next month after accepting the conditions stipulated under the PGA Tour’s new “Returning Member Program.

Under the terms of his return, Koepka will not be eligible to earn equity from the Tour’s Player Equity Program for the next five years.

In an open letter to fans, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said Koepka “could miss out on approximately $50-85 million in potential earnings.”

At the PGA TOUR's request, Koepka has also agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution.

After winning PGA Championship in 2023, Koepka is exempt into all full-field events as well as The Players this season and is exempt until 2028.

However, he will have to play his way into the signature events and is ineligible for sponsor exemptions into those fields.

“The penalty is significant, but I understand why they’ve done it. It hurts, but it’s supposed to,” Koepka told Golfweek. “I’ve got a lot of work to do with the players, and I want to do that one-on-one. I want to have those conversations, but behind closed doors."

Rolapp explained that Koepka’s application for reinstatement “prompted our Boards to evaluate how we deliver the best version of the PGA TOUR for our fans, players and partners — with severe and justified consequences — which has resulted in our new Returning Member Program.”

To be eligible, players who wish to return must have been away from the PGA Tour for more than 2 years and have won either a major or The Players between 2022 and 2025.

Koepka’s return may now tempt the likes of Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau or Cameron Smith to consider a return, should their LIV contracts allow.

However, Rolapp pointed out that the window closes on February 2.

“The Returning Member Program ensures that only those who have recently achieved the highest accomplishments in the game are eligible to return to the PGA Tour, where the best players in the world compete, week in and week out,” Rolapp said in his letter. 

“This is a one-time, defined window and is not a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.”

“In evaluating the situation, our objectives were clear: (1) make the PGA TOUR stronger, (2) preserve playing opportunities for current members, and (3) deliver on fan desire to see the best players in the world back on our Tour, while ensuring Returning Members must accept severe yet appropriate financial consequences.”

Rory McIlroy hinted recently that getting Koepka back to the PGA Tour would be a good thing.

“Does it make sense if Brooks wanted to play the PGA Tour again to get him back as soon as possible? Absolutely," McIlroy told the Palm Beach Post.

"What Brooks has done in the game of golf, it would be good for everyone to have him back."