Phoenix, Arizona, January 13, 2026
Brooks Koepka officially returns to the PGA Tour after departing for LIV Golf. His reinstatement is facilitated by the Tour’s new Returning Member Program. Koepka is set to participate in the Farmers Insurance Open and the WM Phoenix Open. Despite facing significant financial penalties, including a $5 million charitable contribution and ineligibility for FedEx Cup bonus money, his return is seen as a positive development for professional golf.
Phoenix, Arizona – In a significant development for professional golf, Brooks Koepka is officially rejoining the PGA Tour, a move that Dan Bickley describes as a welcome sign and a step towards restoring order to the professional golf landscape. Koepka, a five-time major champion, is expected to make his highly anticipated return at the Farmers Insurance Open from January 29 to February 1, 2026, followed by the WM Phoenix Open from February 5-8, 2026. This decision, officially announced on January 12, 2026, marks his return after his previous departure to LIV Golf in June 2022.
PGA Tour Establishes Returning Member Program
Koepka’s reinstatement is facilitated by the PGA Tour’s newly established Returning Member Program. This program, announced on January 12, 2026, provides a specific, one-time window for elite players to return to the PGA Tour, with a deadline of February 2, 2026, to apply for reinstatement. To be eligible, players must have been away from the Tour for at least two years and have won a major championship or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025.
Financial Consequences and Tournament Eligibility
As part of his return, Koepka has accepted substantial financial penalties. He will not be eligible for PGA Tour equity grants for five years (2026-2030) and will not receive FedEx Cup bonus money for the 2026 season. The estimated potential loss in earnings from these forfeitures ranges from $50 million to $85 million. Additionally, Koepka has agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution, to be jointly determined with the Tour.
While Koepka is exempt into all full-field events and The Players Championship this season, and through the 2028 PGA Tour season based on his 2023 PGA Championship victory, he must earn his way into Signature Events and is ineligible for sponsor exemptions into those specific tournaments. The Tour has also stated that fields will be expanded as needed to accommodate returning members, ensuring playing opportunities for current members are not displaced.
Impact on Other Players and Tour Dynamics
Koepka’s return comes after he parted ways with LIV Golf on December 23, 2025, despite having a year remaining on his contract with the Saudi-backed league. The Returning Member Program also makes other major-winning LIV Golf players—including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith—eligible for reinstatement. However, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to LIV Golf for 2026. Cameron Smith has also confirmed his decision to remain with LIV Golf.
The PGA Tour developed the Returning Member Program in response to fan interest in seeing top golfers compete together more frequently. This development is seen by some as a reinforcement of competition between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, rather than signaling any immediate alignment or merger. Koepka is a two-time champion of the WM Phoenix Open, having won in 2015 and 2021, and his return is expected to be well-received by fans at the event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the latest news regarding Brooks Koepka?
- Brooks Koepka is officially rejoining the PGA Tour.
- How is Brooks Koepka’s return viewed?
- Dan Bickley describes Brooks Koepka’s return as a welcome sign for the PGA Tour, signaling order returning to the professional golf landscape.
- When will Brooks Koepka participate in upcoming tournaments?
- Brooks Koepka is expected to make his return at the Farmers Insurance Open from January 29 to February 1, 2026, and the WM Phoenix Open from February 5-8, 2026.
- What are the financial penalties associated with Koepka’s return?
- Brooks Koepka will not be eligible for PGA Tour equity grants for five years, will not receive FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026, and must make a $5 million charitable contribution. The potential loss in earnings is estimated between $50 million and $85 million.
- Which other players are eligible for the Returning Member Program?
- Other major-winning LIV Golf players eligible for the program include Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith.
Key Aspects of Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour Return
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Action | Rejoining PGA Tour |
| Facilitating Program | PGA Tour’s new Returning Member Program |
| Significance | Signals order returning to PGA Tour |
| Upcoming Events | Farmers Insurance Open (Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2026) and WM Phoenix Open (Feb. 5-8, 2026) |
| Financial Penalties | Forfeiture of 5 years PGA Tour equity grants, no 2026 FedEx Cup bonus money, $5 million charitable contribution |
| Estimated Financial Impact | Potential loss of $50-$85 million in earnings |
| Eligibility for Program | Major or Players Championship winners (2022-2025) who were away for ≥2 years |
| Other Eligible Players | Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith |
| Deadline for Program | February 2, 2026 |
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