Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka will make a comeback to the PGA TOUR this month thanks to the new Returning Member Program introduced by the circuit.
The 35-year-old American had been playing on LIV Golf for over three years and was one of the first biggest names to have been lured away from the PGA TOUR and to the format in the summer of 2022.
However, he confirmed his departure in December to prioritize spending more time with his family with only a year remaining on his contract.
It was revealed that Koepka reapplied for PGA TOUR membership on Friday which has now led to the introduction of the Returning Member Program by the PGA TOUR opening the doors for a certain number of ‘elite performers’ to rejoin the circuit.
Only those to have won a major or THE PLAYERS Championship in the last four years are eligible meaning as well as Koepka, the program only applies to Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith.
Following the request of the PGA TOUR, Koepka has agreed to make a $5m donation to charity. He will also not be able to receive financial gain from the FedExCup bonus pool throughout 2026 and will be unable to take part in the Player Equity Program between 2026-2030 which will see him miss out of an estimated $50m-$85m.
“When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the PGA TOUR, and I am just as excited today to announce that I am returning to the PGA TOUR,” Koepka said in a statement. “Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me.
“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 is set to make his first appearance on the circuit since March 2022 at the Farmers Insurance Open between Jan 29-Feb 1 then take part at the WM Phoenix Open the following weekend.
In an open letter, PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp described the new program stating: “The criteria ensures that those who have achieved the highest accomplishments in the game are eligible to return to the PGA TOUR now, where the best players in the world compete week in and week out,” the PGA Tour said of the new program that has allowed Koepka’s return.
“We will continue to aggressively pursue anything that enhances the fan experience and makes the PGA Tour stronger,” CEO Rolapp said in a letter to fans.
“This is part of our commitment to fans, who expect the world’s best players to compete on the PGA Tour week in and week out.”