In what may be the biggest news the world of professional golf has seen in the past two years, the PGA Tour announced a limited window for LIV players to return.
In a letter from CEO Brian Rolapp, The tournament finally outlined the parameters for some LIV players looking to find their way back. And, as it turns out, former LIV player Brooks Koepka is one of four players who meet the criteria. He will immediately return to the Tour.
Here’s what the Tour described in its newly created returning member program:
- To be eligible, players must have won a Major or The Players Championship from 2022-2025. This includes Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith.
- Returning member program closed February 2giving the remaining players a limited time frame to decide if they would like to apply for Tour membership. “This is a one-time window and does not set a precedent for future situations.” it says in the letter. “Once the door is closed, there is no promise that this route will be available again.”
- Returning players are eligible for the Players Championship and other full-field events, but they will have to earn their way into the eight signature events this season by winning a tournament or qualifying through one of three paths: the Aon Next 10 (the top 10 players in FedEx Cup points are not otherwise eliminated through the tournament leading up to a signature event); Aon Swing 5 (top five in FedEx Cup points earners among signature events not otherwise excluded); or Top 30 in the Official World Golf Ranking who are not otherwise eligible. DeChambeau is the no. 26 in OWGR; Rahm is number 87 and Smith is number 207.
- Returning players must agree to a five-year forfeiture of participation in the player equity program, which the Tour estimates at $50-85 million (it’s a little optimistic, but hey).
- Returning players must compete in a minimum of 15 Tour events, so this is not a situation where a player can still be on LIV while returning to Tour.
- Returning players will not receive FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026.
- Returning players must make a charitable contribution of $5 million.
- All fields will be expanded to include returning players. Current members will not lose their seat in any area due to this move.
- Returning players are eligible for the President’s Cup and TGL (the latter may be considered a penalty).
Following Rolapp’s letter, Koepka announced that he will play the Farmers Insurance Open and the WM Phoenix Open.
Now we wait to see what the other three players will do
Wow. This is a massive development.
While Smith isn’t that big here, DeChambeau or Rahm leaving LIV would be an absolute dagger that could cut the breakout league in half (and it’s not thriving as it is).
Who else would the tournament want back at this point? You could argue that players like Tyrrell Hatton and Joaquin Niemann would be nice to have back in the fold, but it’s really DeChambeau, Rahm and Koepka who were the three biggest names on the board.
Let’s get one thing straight here: Rolapp and Co. absolutely cook with this move.
With just a few weeks left for players to decide, it’s a strong move that forces their hand.
At the same time, the penalty for relapse is quite reasonable in all respects.
LIV players don’t have to pay anything to come back – they’re just forfeiting future earnings. This is not too difficult to stomach, given how they can turn right back.
The only LIV player likely to be allowed to return to signature events is DeChambeau, based on his world ranking. The other three will have to earn their way back there, which seems fair.
“We recognize that there may be questions about how this policy holds a returning player accountable, especially after he has earned substantial compensation elsewhere,” Rolapp wrote. “Ultimately, by accepting membership in the Returning Member category, Brooks is making the decision to return to the PGA Tour now – something our fans want and something that strengthens our game and organization.”
Say what you will about the tournament (and I’ve criticized them a lot), but this is a shrewd decision that comes at just the right time given Koepka’s decision.
Is the punishment severe enough?
Many people will be upset that LIV players made so much money and returned without more serious consequences. This is understandable.
But at a certain point, the Tour would benefit immensely from star players returning and improving the product. This includes current Tour players.
And even if they take alone A of DeChambeau or Rahm, LIV would be in an even deeper spiral.
How would it help the Tour if they asked Koepka, DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith to take a year off from Tour competition? It’s just another season for them to play in LIV (or start somewhere else).
Ultimately, the Tour made a decision that it wants its top guys back as soon as possible. This option doesn’t guarantee it, but it’s a good bet that at least one of the three players hits the eject button in LIV.
Okay, MGS readers—what do we think of this? Good move from the tournament? Does punishment make sense? Which of the remaining three players will return?
Let me know below in the comments.
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