Brooks Koepka Returns to PGA Tour with Hefty Financial Penalties
Brooks Koepka is heading back to the PGA Tour just five weeks after leaving LIV Golf, accepting a one-time program for elite players that comes with substantial financial penalties.
The five-time major champion plans to restart his PGA Tour career at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines later this month, but he’s facing some serious consequences for his return.
Koepka won’t be eligible for PGA Tour equity grants for five years, can’t receive FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026, and can’t play signature events unless he qualifies through his performance. He’ll also need to make a $5 million charity donation decided jointly with the tour.
The total financial impact could be massive. When combining the equity restrictions and FedEx Cup bonus limitations, tour officials estimate Koepka’s potential loss at $50 million to $85 million.
Brian Rolapp, CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, outlined the “Returning Member Program” in a memo to players on January 12. The program is specifically designed as a one-time opportunity, not a precedent.
It’s worth noting that only players who’ve won majors or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025 qualify for this program. That means just three other LIV players could potentially return: Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith. They have two weeks to decide.
The PGA Tour board, which has a player majority led by Tiger Woods, approved the program.
Rolapp described Koepka’s situation as “unique” and said the solution focused on strengthening the tour while preserving opportunities for current members and responding to fans who want to see all the best players competing together.
But this isn’t an open invitation for all LIV players. The program has the feel of an ultimatum for the few stars who qualify.
“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 wrote. “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.”
Those who don’t qualify under these strict guidelines include Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, seven-time LIV winner Joaquin Niemann, Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton, and Patrick Reed.
Koepka, 35, was one of the biggest names to sign with LIV Golf in June 2022. He admitted in a 2023 podcast with boxer Jake Paul that his contract was worth at least $100 million, saying bluntly, “I signed for the dough.”
In a brief telephone interview, Koepka acknowledged he wasn’t sure the PGA Tour would allow him back so quickly. “I’m grateful it’s come to this,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot of work to do with some of the players,” he added about the reception he expects. “There’s definitely guys who are happy, and definitely guys who will be angry. It’s a harsh punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did that — it’s meant to hurt. But it (his departure) hurt a lot of people.”
Rolapp addressed the accountability question head-on: “Ultimately, by accepting membership in the Returning Member category, Brooks is making the decision to return to the PGA TOUR now — something our fans want, and something that strengthens both the game and our organization.”
Despite the penalties, Koepka is back in the fold with tour exemption through 2028 based on his 2023 PGA Championship victory. He’s also eligible for the Presidents Cup and the indoor TGL league.
But there are still limitations. He can’t receive sponsor exemptions to the $20 million signature events and must earn his way in through qualifying or performance categories.
To protect current players, if Koepka qualifies for signature events or playoffs, he’ll be added to the field rather than taking another player’s spot. For the FedEx Cup playoffs, this means the tour would include the 71st player in the standings for the postseason opener, and the 51st and 31st players if Koepka advances to the Tour Championship.
