Rory McIlroy has warmly welcomed the return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour, stating the five-time major champion is back where he belongs, while delivering a pointed critique of the rival LIV Golf circuit.
Koepka Leads the Charge in PGA Tour's New Return Programme
Brooks Koepka is set to make his comeback at the Farmers Insurance Open this month, becoming the first high-profile player to rejoin the PGA Tour through its newly established Returning Member Programme. The move ends a three-and-a-half-year absence for the former world number one, who originally left for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.
In a statement, Koepka expressed his excitement, saying, "When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the PGA Tour, and I am just as excited today to announce that I am returning." He cited being closer to home and the PGA Tour's new direction under fresh leadership and an equity programme as key factors.
McIlroy's Stance: From 'Sellouts' to a Warm Welcome
The Northern Irish star's position has evolved significantly since the summer of 2022, when he labelled players departing for LIV as "duplicitous." Koepka himself had used the term "sellouts" before making his own switch.
Now, tensions have eased. McIlroy told The Telegraph, "This is great as it gets Brooks back to where he belongs. He is one of the best players in the world, and anything that makes the traditional tours stronger is a good thing in my book." He had previously told The Palm Beach Post that Koepka's return would be "good for everyone."
Financial Penalties and a Critique of LIV's Future
The return comes with substantial financial conditions. Reinstated players must make a $5 million (£3.7m) charitable donation, are ineligible for FedExCup Bonus Program payments this season, and cannot earn equity from the Player Equity Program for their first five years back—penalties Koepka says he accepts.
McIlroy also questioned the momentum of the LIV Golf league, now in its fourth year. "It's not as if they made any huge signings this year, is it?" he said. "They haven't signed anyone who moves the needle, and I don't think they will." He suggested that even re-signing a star like Bryson DeChambeau for vast sums would not fundamentally improve their product, especially after losing a player of Koepka's calibre.
While Koepka is the first to return, the PGA Tour's new programme leaves the door open for other LIV stars like Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Jon Rahm, though they remain committed to the breakaway tour for now.
