Brooks Koepka has returned to the PGA Tour, making a pathway for some LIV Golf stars to rejoin the tour.
Brooks Koepka has returned to the PGA Tour with fast impact (Picture: Getty Photos)
Brooks Koepka is making a swift return to the PGA Tour, due to the newly established Returning Member Program which provides him and different prime golfers the possibility to rejoin. Koepka revealed his resolution to go away LIV Golf on December 23, a yr forward of the top of his contract with the Saudi Arabian golf league. His software to rejoin the PGA Tour was met with combined responses, nevertheless it has now been confirmed.
Regardless of his reinstatement, Koepka will likely be obliged to donate $5million to a charity, as agreed with the PGA Tour. Moreover, he will not be eligible for fairness or FedEx Cup bonus cash this yr, probably lacking out on as much as $50m in earnings. Nonetheless, Koepka’s comeback may set off an analogous pattern amongst different elite gamers. When Koepka sought to regain his PGA Tour membership, there have been issues that he could be handled in another way from different former stars because of his excessive profile. But, the brand new program permits three different LIV Golf stars to comply with Koepka’s lead.
Curiously, Koepka was one of many first big-name gamers to depart the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, and now he is the primary to return. The PGA Tour introduced on Monday that gamers who meet sure performance-based standards can be eligible for another route again.
The PGA Tour states that gamers are eligible to return if: “They’ve participated in Unauthorized Tournaments, haven’t been a member for no less than two years and have received THE PLAYERS, Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship and/or The Open Championship within the years 2022-2025.”
The PGA Tour responded to fan demand for extra frequent competitors amongst the world’s elite golfers, although they have to settle for the monetary implications. These desirous to compete on the PGA Tour in 2026 should submit their purposes by Feb. 2.
Because the 2023 PGA Championship victor, Koepka certified. However Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith are additionally able to rejoin the PGA Tour.
Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith additionally meet the mandatory standards (Picture: Getty Photos)
Smith secured each The Gamers Championship and The Open Championship in 2022, giving him the credentials to return and pursue a route similar to Koepka’s. DeChambeau equally has the choice to come back again after clinching the U.S. Open title in 2024, defeating Rory McIlroy.
Rahm’s 2023 Masters triumph means he too qualifies, regardless of having solely lately joined LIV Golf in December 2023. Rahm represented one of many newest important transfers, while DeChambeau confirmed his return to LIV Golf for 2026.
Nonetheless, DeChambeau hasn’t but confirmed an extension, leaving his future unsure. Whether or not others will comply with Koepka’s lead stays unclear, however the 35 yr previous is thrilled to be again and can function on the Farmers Insurance coverage Open later this month.
“I need to thank my household and my crew for his or her continued help all through each step of my skilled profession. After I was a toddler, I all the time dreamed about competing on the @PGATOUR, and I’m simply as excited at this time to announce that I’m returning to the PGA TOUR,” Koepka penned on X.
Event schedules, scores, gamers updates and majors information plus chosen provides and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may increasingly embody adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“Being nearer to dwelling and spending extra time with my household makes this chance particularly significant to me. I consider in the place the PGA TOUR is headed with new management, new buyers, and an fairness program that offers gamers a significant possession stake.
“I additionally perceive there are monetary penalties related to this resolution, and I settle for these. Lastly, I need to thank the followers. Your help means extra to me at this time than ever earlier than, and I sit up for seeing you quickly on the Farmers Insurance coverage Open and WM Phoenix Open.”
Leave a Reply