US Open champion Wyndham Clark has publicly expressed his mixed feelings over the PGA Tour's decision to allow Brooks Koepka an immediate return following his departure from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
The Controversial Return Path
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, announced at the end of 2025 that he would be leaving the rebel LIV Golf circuit after four seasons, forgoing the final year of his contract. The 35-year-old has been permitted to resume playing on the PGA Tour immediately under the newly established "Returning Member Program".
To qualify, Koepka met strict criteria, which included forfeiting any player equity shares for the next five years and making a substantial $5 million (approximately £3.72 million) donation to charity. This program, which expires on 2 February 2026, is only open to winners of a major championship or The Players Championship since 2022.
A Teammate's Torn Opinion
Wyndham Clark, who played alongside Koepka for the United States at the 2023 Ryder Cup, admitted his conflict during an interview on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. "I personally really like Brooks, and I think it's ultimately really good for the PGA Tour," Clark stated. "But also a guy that had an opportunity to go to LIV, it's kind of frustrating that he's able to get the cake and also eat it."
Clark questioned the precedent set, suggesting the arrangement lacked sufficient penalty for initially accepting a lucrative offer from LIV in 2022. "And if you would have told me that I could have gone for a year-and-a-half, made a boatload of money and then be able to come back, play on the tour, I think almost everyone would have done that," he added.
Implications for the Future of Golf
Koepka's return, which will see him back in action at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines beginning 29 January 2026, has significant ramifications. It potentially opens the door for other major-winning LIV defectors like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, or Cameron Smith to make a similar move in future, although no other current LIV competitors are currently eligible.
Despite his reservations, Clark acknowledged the commercial benefit for the tour. "At the end of the day, I want whatever is best for the PGA Tour, and I think if guys come back, especially top guys like Brooks, it's only going to help the tour, which is ultimately going to help me," he concluded. The situation highlights the ongoing and complex reconciliation between the established PGA Tour and the breakaway LIV Golf series.
