Brooks Koepka departed the PGA Tour in 2022 to compete on the Saudi-backed circuit.

More than three years later, he rejoined the Tour through a one-time Returning Member Program that allows reinstatement under specific conditions, including financial penalties.

Commenting on the decision, the 2023 Open champion Brian Harman said the punishment tied to Koepka’s return was meaningful and did not result in immediate acceptance among players.

Harman explained that many players continue to question the absence of a suspension or any formal time served, noting that this remains the biggest obstacle for full acceptance within the locker room.

At the same time, Harman acknowledged that the $5 million financial penalty attached to the return carries weight and cannot be overlooked.

As part of the program, returning players face specific consequences to maintain balance within the Tour. They must make a $5 million charitable contribution.

Players are also ineligible for payments from the 2026 FedExCup Bonus Program. 

In addition, they will forfeit potential earnings from the Player Equity Program for five years, from 2026 through 2030. The estimated loss ranges from $50 million to $85 million.

Harman also acknowledged that having five-time major champion and former world No. 1 Brooks Koepka back on the PGA Tour would make the Tour stronger.

Four-time PGA Tour winner Brian Harman, speaking to the Associated Press on January 13 said,

“The positive is the tour with Brooks Koepka is a stronger tour. Regardless of how you feel about him leaving the PGA Tour, regardless of how you feel about LIV Golf, the PGA Tour is stronger today. I find it to be an OK compromise.” 

As Brian Harman spoke about the Returning Member Program and Brooks Koepka’s return, Tiger Woods also shared his views on Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour.

Tiger Woods on Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour

Tiger Woods, the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, and a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board, welcomed Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour.

Woods explained that feedback from the Tour’s fan initiative program showed a clear desire to see top players competing against each other.

Woods added that Koepka’s decision to return a year earlier made that possible.

What do you think about Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das