The PGA Tour has introduced a new Returning Member Program that permits golfers who have won a major championship or The Players Championship since 2022 to rejoin immediately, provided they have been away from the tour for more than two years. The change allows Brooks Koepka, who left LIV Golf last month, to return.
The rule also applies to Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith, but only if they apply before a 2 February deadline. The new LIV Golf season begins in Riyadh on 4 February. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated in a memo that this is a one-time, defined window and will not set a precedent.
Koepka, a five-time major winner who joined LIV in 2022, said he was excited to return to the PGA Tour, adding that he had always dreamed of competing there. He resigned from LIV with a year remaining on his contract, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Under the terms, Koepka must forfeit five years of potential equity in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program, which Rolapp estimated could be worth $50–85 million. He has also agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution. Koepka accepted the financial penalties, saying he believes in the direction of the PGA Tour under new leadership.
