Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour has sparked plenty of discussion, with golf analyst Brandel Chamblee backing the penalties attached to the move. The five-time major winner is set to rejoin the tour later this month under a new policy, after recently parting ways with LIV Golf. While he has been cleared to compete again, the comeback comes with several limits.
On Monday afternoon, the PGA Tour confirmed that Koepka would be reinstated through its new Returning Member Program. As part of the agreement, he will make a $5 million donation to charity, lose access to the Player Equity Program for the next five years which could cost him between $50 million and $85 million, and will not be eligible for the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus payout. He will, however, still be allowed to compete for the Presidents Cup and take part in The Golf League.
Chamblee weighed in on the decision in a post on X on Tuesday, January 13, after speaking with PGA Tour officials.
“I had a chance to talk with the PGA Tour, and I think the pecuniary penalty they imposed upon Brooks Koepka’s return, though substantial and unprecedented in the history of sports, was nonetheless appropriate. I hope it opens the door to a further exodus from LIV golf, which is a tour that is just an arm of the Saudi state.”
Koepka is expected to make his return at the Farmers Insurance Open later this month and is also set to play the WM Phoenix Open. However, he will not be allowed into signature events like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am or the Genesis Invitational unless he qualifies.
PGA Tour explains how the Returning Member Program works
The PGA Tour has introduced a new policy called the Returning Member Program, which will allow a limited number of former LIV Golf players to rejoin the tour. Right now, the list includes only four names: Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith.
According to the Tour, the rule applies only to players who have been away for at least two years and have won either a major or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025. It also shared the full eligibility criteria in a statement.
“Only players who have been away from the TOUR for at least two years and have won THE PLAYERS Championship, Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open or The Open Championship during the 2022-2025 seasons are eligible for the Returning Member Program.”
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said the program is a one-time opportunity and will not remain open for long. He added that eligible players must apply by February 2.
“Other eligible players interested in seeking PGA Tour reinstatement must do so by the time the Returning Member Program closes on Monday, February 2. This is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again,” Rolapp said.
Rolapp added that fan feedback was a big factor behind the decision. He said many fans want to see the top players competing against each other more often, which helped shape the new policy.
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