Koepka reinstated as TOUR opens Returning Member Program
Brooks Koepka will return to the PGA TOUR for the 2026 season, following a series of stipulations outlined in the circuit's new Returning Member Program, CEO Brian Rolapp announced Monday.
As part of his reinstatement, Koepka must forfeit his stake in the TOUR's Player Equity Program for five years and make a $5-million charitable donation.
"Forfeiting five years of potential equity in our Player Equity Program represents one of the largest financial repercussions in professional sports history - our estimations are that Brooks could miss out on approximately $50 million to $85 million in potential earnings depending on his competitive performance and the growth of the TOUR," Rolapp said.
The TOUR also announced the return protocol is open until Feb. 2, but only for golfers who have won The Players or a major championship between 2022-25. Only Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith, all under contract with LIV Golf, meet those terms.
"This is a one-time, defined window and is not a precedent for future situations," Rolapp added. "Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again."
Koepka last competed on the PGA TOUR in March 2022 before joining LIV on a contract reportedly exceeding $100 million. While with LIV, he won the 2023 PGA Championship and collected five additional victories.
The 35-year-old revealed on Dec. 23 that he was leaving LIV, saying he wanted to be closer to family. Reports of Koepka's application for reinstatement surfaced last week.
"I believe in where the PGA TOUR is headed with new leadership, new investors, and an equity program that gives players a meaningful ownership stake," Koepka said in a statement. "I also understand there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept those."
Koepka has already committed to the Farmers Insurance Open (Jan. 29 - Feb. 1) and Waste Management Open (Feb. 5-8).