Brooks Koepka is back and the PGA opens its doors for Jon Rahm, Cam Smith and Bryson DeChambeau to return

Brooks Koepka is officially back as a member of the PGA Tour. Both the Florida native and the US circuit announced his return to the fold on Monday, along with the terms under which it will take place. In essence, it is a tailor-made deal that is not designed solely for him, but also for other Saudi-backed super league stars such as Jon Rahm, Cam Smith and Bryson DeChambeau. With this offer, the PGA is seeking to capitalize on the turmoil caused by Koepka’s “defection” and to fish in troubled waters among the remaining stars it lost during the opening salvo of a conflict that has now dragged on for almost five years.

The framework established for Koepka’s readmission will remain in place only until February 2, according to the statement released. From that date onward, the conditions on offer will disappear. The first requirement is having won one of the four majors or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025 – a criterion met only by the aforementioned players. Not even Dustin Johnson or Phil Mickelson fit that equation, and between the lines the door is firmly shut in their faces.

On top of that, Koepka will be subject for five years to a moratorium on the share of PGA-generated profits that would otherwise be due to him under the recently launched player equity program – another response to the eye-watering sums with which LIV lured players to switch sides. It is estimated that this will cost him between $50 million and $85 million, and he will also be required to donate a further $5 million to a charity jointly selected with the PGA. His earnings from each appearance will be reduced compared with what he would normally receive based on his final position in the field.

As for playing rights, Koepka will not have access to the ‘signature events’, the highest tier of regular PGA Tour tournaments, and must play a minimum of 15 events this season, without the possibility of using sponsor exemptions. As a multiple winner of the US Open and the PGA Championship, he will continue to have access to the majors – something he never lost during his time with LIV. To avoid disadvantaging other players, tournament fields will be expanded by one spot whenever he competes. He has already confirmed that he will play at the Farmers Insurance Open and the Phoenix Open, two of the strongest events outside the signature category.

LIV’s response was not long in coming. Late on Monday afternoon in Spain, the league distributed a statement on social media in which it boasted of having “promoted a free ecosystem for everyone, not just a few.” “We reinforce the belief that the growth of this sport is best driven when the best players in the world can pursue competitive ecosystems across the globe,” it added, underlining that its goal remains to “grow golf globally.”

“I believe in the PGA’s leadership”

Koepka, who leaves LIV with a contract still in force, said in the post on X (formerly Twitter) announcing his return that the motivation behind the decision was “being closer to home and spending more time with family” – ironically the same argument cited by many of those, himself included, who were once seduced by petrodollars. “I believe in the PGA’s new leadership, in its investors and in the equity program that gives players a significant ownership stake in the tour. I understand the financial penalties associated with this decision and I accept them,” he added, in a nod to Brian Rolapp, who replaced Jay Monahan at the top of the PGA several months ago. That move was widely seen as a breath of fresh air for the tour and its relations with LIV, and it is now beginning to pay dividends.

The first step toward others returning?

While it is true that Koepka’s discomfort within LIV had been common knowledge for some time, it does not currently seem very likely that these siren calls will prompt Jon Rahm to rethink his stance. The Basque still has two years left on his contract and has recently seen his main demand met – the transition from 54 to 72 holes per tournament. A few months ago, during LIV’s stop at Valderrama, he told several Spanish outlets, including this one, that he had never been tempted to jump ship.

DeChambeau is a different case. Reports emerged over the past year suggesting a possible exit, and his multiyear renewal, under negotiation for some time, has yet to be finalized. But LIV has brought him the highest levels of celebrity of his career, and he captured the 2024 US Open there, his second major. Cam Smith, for his part, commands an all-Australian team and Adelaide hosts the most spectacular tournament on the circuit – two significant incentives to stay put, even if there is little trace left of the player who won the British Open in 2022.

Whether or not the PGA’s hoped-for domino effect materializes, it does appear to have found a formula for creating a pathway back for the biggest stars without creating a sense of unfairness toward those who chose to remain loyal. “I’ve got work to do with the players and I’m going to go one by one,” Koepka told Golf Channel journalist Eamon Lynch on Monday. Who knows whether anyone else will join him in those diplomatic efforts. There will be suspense until February 2.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.