Scottsdale, Arizona, January 12, 2026
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, has announced his return to the PGA Tour, set to compete in the WM Phoenix Open. Following his reinstatement, Koepka will participate in tournaments starting with the Farmers Insurance Open. His return is facilitated by the newly formed PGA Tour Returning Member Program, aimed at allowing select former members to rejoin under specific conditions. Players will need to commit to a minimum number of tournaments while foregoing significant monetary benefits during the initial years of their return.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Brooks Koepka Returns to PGA TOUR, Set for WM Phoenix Open 2026
Brooks Koepka, a prominent five-time major champion, has officially announced his return to the PGA TOUR and is slated to compete in the upcoming WM Phoenix Open. This significant development comes as Koepka was reinstated to the tour on Monday, January 12, 2026, marking his first appearance in a non-major, individual PGA TOUR-sanctioned event since March 2022. He will first play in the Farmers Insurance Open on January 29, 2026, before heading to Scottsdale for the WM Phoenix Open.
Koepka’s Path Back Through New Program
Koepka’s return is facilitated by the newly introduced PGA TOUR Returning Member Program, a one-time initiative for the 2026 season. This program offers an alternative path for select former members, who meet specific elite performance-based criteria, to rejoin the highest level of men’s professional golf. The application window for this program is open from January 12, 2026, to February 2, 2026.
To be eligible, players must have won a major championship or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025 and have been away from the PGA TOUR for a minimum of two years. Aside from Koepka, other notable golfers eligible for this program include Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith.
Conditions of Reinstatement
The return to the PGA TOUR under the Returning Member Program includes specific conditions and financial repercussions. Koepka, and any other returning players, will forfeit potential equity shares in the Player Equity Program for five years (2026-2030) and will not be eligible for the FedExCup Bonus Program in 2026. These financial losses are estimated to be between $50 million and $91 million in potential earnings.
Additionally, returning players are required to make a $5 million charitable contribution to a mutually agreed-upon cause. They must also commit to playing a minimum of 15 co-sponsored or approved tournaments during the 2026 season. While eligible for The Players Championship and full-field events, returning members are not eligible for sponsor exemptions into Signature Events and must qualify for them through standard play-in categories like the Aon Next 10, Aon Swing 5, winning a tournament, or ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking top 30. To ensure fairness, fields featuring returning players will be expanded so as not to reduce opportunities for current members.
The WM Phoenix Open: “The People’s Open”
The WM Phoenix Open, often referred to as “The People’s Open,” is renowned for its unique atmosphere and significant fan engagement. Held annually at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, the 2026 tournament is scheduled from February 2 to February 8. Koepka has a history of success at this event, having previously won the WM Phoenix Open in 2015 and 2021. The tournament is recognized for its combination of sporting, commercial, and charitable achievements, attracting a large number of fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest news regarding Brooks Koepka?
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, has announced his return to the PGA TOUR and is set to compete in the WM Phoenix Open. He was reinstated on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Which tournament will Brooks Koepka play in upon his return?
Brooks Koepka will play in the Farmers Insurance Open on January 29, 2026, and then in the WM Phoenix Open, held at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, from February 2 to February 8, 2026.
What is the PGA TOUR Returning Member Program?
The PGA TOUR Returning Member Program is a one-time initiative for the 2026 season that provides an alternative path for certain former members who meet elite performance-based criteria to rejoin the PGA TOUR.
Who is eligible for the Returning Member Program?
Eligibility for the Returning Member Program is open to players who have won a major championship or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025 and have been away from the PGA TOUR for a minimum of two years. Eligible golfers include Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith.
What are the financial penalties for returning players?
Returning players under the program will forfeit potential equity shares in the Player Equity Program for five years (2026-2030) and will not be eligible for the FedExCup Bonus Program in 2026. Estimated financial losses could be between $50 million and $91 million. They also must make a $5 million charitable contribution.
FAQ Schema
Key Features of Brooks Koepka’s PGA TOUR Return and the Returning Member Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Player Returning | Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion |
| First Tournament Back | Farmers Insurance Open on January 29, 2026, followed by WM Phoenix Open |
| WM Phoenix Open Dates | February 2-8, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Return Mechanism | PGA TOUR Returning Member Program |
| Program Type | One-time initiative for the 2026 season |
| Eligibility Criteria | Major or The Players Championship winner (2022-2025), two+ years off tour |
| Other Eligible Players | Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith |
| Application Window | January 12 – February 2, 2026 |
| Financial Consequences | Forfeits 5 years of Player Equity Program shares, ineligible for 2026 FedExCup Bonus, $50-91 million estimated lost earnings |
| Charitable Contribution | $5 million |
| Playing Requirement | Minimum of 15 co-sponsored/approved tournaments in 2026 |
| Signature Event Access | Must qualify (Aon Next 10, Aon Swing 5, OWGR top 30, win), no sponsor exemptions |
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