Brooks Koepkathe return to PGA Tour has sparked speculation about the futures of Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith on LIV Golf.
The players meet the same criteria as the five-time major winner after the PGA Tour confirmed his return on a dramatic Monday in golf.
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It ends Koepka’s four-season association with the Saudi-backed series, with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp outlining guidelines for others to follow him.
After signing up to the terms of the Returning Member Program, Koepka will be able to play at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines starting January 29.
But could others join, and what will that mean for LIV Golf and its future?
How did Koepka secure his return to the PGA Tour?
Koepka was released from his LIV Golf contract a year early last month and the 35-year-old has begun the process of negotiating a return to the PGA Tour.
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Players typically served a one-year suspension, one year from their last appearance at LIV Golf, which was in August for Koepka, but the new returning member program saw a number of new conditions green-lighting his return, including:
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Koepka to Forgo All FedExCup Bonus Program Payments in 2026
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Koepka is ineligible for the Tour’s player equity program between 2026 and 2030, which is estimated to be worth between $50 million and $85 million (£37 million to £59 million).
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$5 million penalty as charity contribution tour will help decide
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No sponsor exemption for $20 million marquee events
How much did Koepka make from LIV Golf?
While Koepka will be hit with what he describes as “severe punishment”, he has earned around $48 million (£35.6 million) in prize money during his four seasons on LIV, while also confirming on BS with Jake Paul that his signing bonus was “nine figures” after arriving in 2022.
Could others follow?
Yes, the PGA Tour has outlined the criteria for other players to join Koepka and return to the PGA Tour, with applications required from January 12 to February 2, with 2026 being the only season available, thus preventing players from indicating they will join in 2027, which could impact DeChambeau with one more year on his LIV contract.
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Players who have participated in unauthorized tournaments have not been members for at least two (2) years.
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Players who won THE PLAYERS, Masters, US Open, PGA Championship and/or The Open Championship in the years 2022-2025
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Must participate in a minimum of 15 co-sponsored and approved tournaments during the 2026 season
The above criteria applies to Rahm, DeChambeau and Smith, but, importantly, prevents Phil Mickelson from applying again, with his PGA Championship victory coming in 2021.
Brooks Koepka after winning a LIV Golf event in Singapore (AP)
What did LIV Golf say in response to Koepka’s decision?
“From the beginning, LIV Golf has championed an open ecosystem and freedom for all,” begins the LIV Golf statement, published on
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“LIV Golf’s vision has remained unchanged: to grow golf on a global scale – and as this vision gains momentum in the broader golfing landscape, the ability to realize it continues to strengthen by expanding avenues and opportunities beyond any one institution or interest.
“As a global golf league, LIV Golf continues to provide top professional golfers with the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment to pursue excellence on a global scale. »
What has Koepka said since returning to the PGA Tour?
“As a kid, I always dreamed of playing on the PGA Tour, and I’m just as excited today to announce my return,” Koepka said. “I believe in the direction the PGA Tour is heading with new leadership, new investors and an equity program that gives players meaningful participation.
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“I have a lot of work to do with some players. There are definitely guys who are happy, and definitely guys who will be angry. It’s a severe punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did this – it’s supposed to hurt. But it (his departure) hurt a lot of people. If anyone is upset, I have to rebuild those relationships.
Koepka after winning the 2023 PGA Championship as a Liv Golf player (Getty Images)
“The first week I’ll be a little nervous. There’s a lot going on beyond golf. I’ll be happy to put the first week behind me: dealing with the media, dealing with the players, and then having some of those tougher conversations. But I’m looking forward to it.
“Am I nervous? Yes. Am I excited? Yes. Oddly enough, I want to have these conversations.”
