Brooks Koepka returns to the PGA Tour under heavy financial penalties, just five weeks after leaving LIV

Brooks Koepka returns to the PGA Tour just five weeks after leaving LIV Golf, agreeing to a one-time program for elite players that comes with a financial penalty that could be among the largest in the sport.

Koepka plans to resume his PGA Tour career at the end of this month at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

But he won’t be eligible for stock grants on the PGA Tour for five years, he won’t receive FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026 and he can’t play signature events unless he earns his entry.

The out-of-pocket costs are a $5 million charitable donation to be decided along with the tour. The financial fallout — no access to equity or FedEx Cup bonus money this year — is a potential loss to the tour of $50 million and more.

PGA Tour Enterprises CEO Brian Rolapp outlined the agreement with Koepka and details of the “Returning Member Program” in a memo to players on Jan. 12. A copy of the memo was obtained by The Associated Press.

However, Rolapp made it clear that this was a one-time program and not a precedent. It only applies to players who won the Majors or the Players Championship from 2022 through 2025, meaning Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith would be the only LIV players who could return. They have two weeks to decide.

Koepka will have to earn his way into signature events worth $20 million. He would be added to the field so as not to take a place from another tour player.

The board, with a majority of players led by Tiger Woods, approved the program.

Rolapp described Koepka’s case as a “unique situation.” He said the solution was guided by what would make the PGA Tour stronger, preserving playing opportunities for current members and responding to fans who want to see the best players together.

But this is far from an open path back for LIV players if they want to return. The program had the tone of an ultimatum for the trio of stars who are still part of the Saudi-funded competition.

“Only those who have recently achieved the highest achievements 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 period and is not a precedent for future situations.

“Once the door closes, there is no promise that this trail will be available again.”

This could be seen as catering to the stars – the tour has a history of that with the Player Impact Program and sponsorship waivers – but the stars are limited to a four-year window of big wins.

Those ineligible to return under this program – assuming they even want to – include Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, seven-time LIV winner Joaquin Niemann, Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton of England and Patrick Reed.

Koepka, a five-time major champion, was one of the biggest names to sign with LIV Golf in June 2022. He said in a 2023 podcast with boxer Jake Paul that his contract was for at least $100 million and that “I signed for the money.”

Koepka said in a brief telephone interview that he wasn’t entirely sure the PGA Tour would let him back so soon, but “I’m grateful it’s come to this.”

“I have a lot of work to do with some of the players,” he said of the reception he is receiving. “There are definitely guys who are happy, and definitely guys who are going to be angry. It’s a big punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did that: it was meant to hurt. But it (his departure) hurt a lot of people.”

Rolapp said he understands there will be questions about holding a defector at LIV accountable, “especially after he has earned substantial compensation elsewhere.”

“By accepting membership in the Returning Member category, Brooks is ultimately making the decision to now return to the PGA TOUR – something our fans want, and something that strengthens both the game and our organization.”

The financial penalty is largely based on the value of the equity and how the 35-year-old Koepka performs. Assuming he averages a top-30 finish over the next five years and maintains his stock until age 50, tour officials estimate the potential revenue loss at somewhere between $50 million and as much as $85 million.

Otherwise, he’ll be back in the fold, exempt through 2028 based on his 2023 victory in the PGA Championship. He would also be eligible for the Presidents Cup and the indoor TGL competition.

But he can’t get sponsor exemptions for the $20 million signature events. He could only qualify by qualifying, either with a PGA Tour victory or in two categories that reward current play.

In an effort to protect current players, Rolapp said Koepka would be added to the field at any tournament he participates in. That includes the FedEx Cup playoffs. If he qualifies this year, the tour would feature the 71st player in the rankings for the postseason opener, and the 51st and 31st players if Koepka advances to the Tour Championship.