PGA Tour clears way for Brooks Koepka's return at the Farmers Insurance Open

The PGA Tour's new Returning Member Program enables players who have been away from the PGA Tour for at least two years and have won The Players or a major over the last four seasons to reapply for membership and regain full playing privileges.

As a result, Koepka will make his official tour comeback at the Farmers Insurance Open from January 29-February 1.

"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. I also understand there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept those.

"Finally, I want to thank the fans. Your support means more to me today than ever before, and I look forward to seeing you soon at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open."

Koepka has been ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour since joining LIV Golf in 2022, but confirmed in December that he was leaving the Saudi-backed circuit, despite reportedly still having one year remaining on his contract.

In an interview on Monday, he admitted he would need to rebuild relationships on the tour.

"I've got a lot of work to do with some of the players," he said. "There's definitely guys who are happy, and definitely guys who will be angry.

"It's a harsh punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did that - it's meant to hurt. But it (his departure) hurt a lot of people.

"If anyone is upset, I need to rebuild those relationships.

"There was no negotiating. It's meant to hurt, it does hurt, but I understand. It's not supposed to be an easy path. There's a lot of people that were hurt by it when I left, and I understand that's part of coming back."

Major winners Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith are the only other players who would currently be eligible under the Returning Member Program.

Returning players will face financial penalties, including a five-year exclusion from equity in the Player Equity Program and ineligibility for payments from the FedExCup Bonus Program - a restriction that, in Koepka's case, amounts to an estimated $51–85 million in potential earnings.

In a memo to PGA Tour members, CEO Brian Rolapp said: "This initiative is a direct response to a unique situation.

"On December 23, 2025, Brooks Koepka notified the PGA TOUR that his previous affiliation had concluded, and he subsequently applied for reinstatement of TOUR membership. This prompted the Boards to evaluate how best to respond in a way that serves our fans, players and partners.

"In evaluating the situation, our objectives were clear: (1) make the PGA Tour stronger, (2) preserve playing opportunities for current members and (3) deliver on fan desire to see the best players in the world back on our tour, while ensuring Returning Members must accept severe yet appropriate financial consequences.

"We recognize there may be questions about how this policy holds a returning player accountable, especially after earning substantial compensation elsewhere.

"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 both the game and our organization."

Fields will be expanded to accommodate the return of Koepka - or any other player eligible under the Returning Member Program - across Signature Events, full-field events, additional events and The Players Championship, ensuring no PGA Tour member is displaced as a result.

Former members who do not qualify for the Returning Member Program may still apply for reinstatement if they leave LIV Golf, although they would be subject to additional disciplinary measures.

LIV Golf responded with a statement reaffirming its commitment to growing the game of golf globally for all.

"From the outset, LIV Golf has championed an open ecosystem and freedom, for all. Not just for a limited few," it said.

"One that supports players' rights to compete across various platforms, reinforcing the belief that the growth of the game is best served when the game's best ‍players are empowered to seek the most competitive environments around the world."