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📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
Koepka returns to PGA Tour five weeks after leaving LIV
AP • January 13th, 2026 8:15 am
Brooks Koepka | Photo: AAP
Brooks Koepka is returning to the PGA Tour five weeks after bolting from LIV Golf, agreeing to a one-time program for elite players that comes with a financial penalty that could rank among the largest in sport.
The scheme by which he will return also offers a way back for Australia's Cam Smith, should he wish to take it.
Koepka plans to resume his PGA Tour career at Torrey Pines at the end of the month.
But he will not be eligible for PGA Tour equity grants for five years, he will not receive FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026 and he cannot play signature events unless he earns his way in.
Cam Smith | Photo: AAP
The out-of-pocket cost is a $US5m ($NZ8.6m) charity donation to be decided jointly with the tour. The financial repercussions — no access to equity or FedEx Cup bonus money this year — is a potential loss the tour puts at $50 ($NZ86.6m) million and upward.
Brian Rolapp, the CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, outlined the agreement with Koepka and details of the "Returning Member Program" in a memo to players on Monday. A copy of the memo was obtained by The Associated Press.
Rolapp made clear this was a one-time program and not a precedent. It applies only to players who have won majors or The Players Championship from 2022 through 2025, meaning Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Smith would be the only LIV players who could return. They have two weeks to decide.
Smith, the 2022 British Open winner, has lost form since joining LIV.
Koepka will have to earn his way into $20 million signature events. He would be added to the field to not take a spot from another tour player.
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