The golf world saw a rare winter shake-up in January.
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka announced his intention to return to the PGA Tour. The move comes weeks after LIV Golf announced that Koepka was departing from its ranks after three years.
Koepka's departure from LIV was considered "amiable" and with the league's blessing, as the golf star prioritized his family and being closer to home. He'll get a chance to compete for PGA Tour prizes as early as this month.
Here's what to know about Koepka's return to the PGA Tour.
MORE: What to know about Tiger Wood's October back surgery
Why is Brooks Koepka returning to PGA Tour?
Koepka's decision to join the PGA Tour is weeks in the making. He applied for reinstatement of his Tour membership on Jan. 9, per ESPN, a little more than two weeks after LIV announced that Koepka was leaving its ranks.
It was unclear whether the PGA Tour would facilitate a way for Koepka to return. The competition has famously had an adversarial relationship with the competitor brand and its golfers, many of whom tore up their Tour membership cards to land with the big-money organization.
Ultimately, it didn't take Koepka too long to hear back from his former employers. On Jan. 12, the PGA Tour announced that it accepted Koepka's reinstatement. For the first time since the 2022 season, Koepka will be playing under the PGA Tour's banner.
Koepka won't be eligible for any signature events in 2026. His return will prove costly in a variety of ways; he's not eligible to earn FedEx Cup bonuses this season and will have to forfeit Tour equity grants for the next five years. He'll also have to donate $5 million to charity. He's eligible to return to action as soon as this month's Farmers Insurance Open.
“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,” Koepka said in a statement.
MORE: Brooks Koepka majors timeline, including last major win and more
PGA Tour Returning Member Program
On Jan. 12, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp penned an open letter addressing the terms of Koepka's return. In his statement, he introduced the creation of the Returning Member Program, a policy open to major or Player Championships winners since 2022 who have been away from the PGA Tour for at least two seasons. The directive gives players a pathway to return to action under the PGA Tour banner.
“This is a one-time, defined window and is not a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again,” Rolapp wrote.
The deadline to apply for reinstatement is Feb. 2. The “elite performance-based criteria” narrows the number of golfers the program is offered to. Only Koepka, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith are eligible to qualify for the program.
MORE: Who has earned the career Grand Slam in golf?
Why did Brooks Koepka leave LIV Golf?
In December, a statement was released by LIV Golf that detailed Brooks Koepka's exit from the league.
"We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season. Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home," the statement read. "We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course. LIV Golf’s mission is to expand the game’s footprint to new markets, increase competitive opportunities for current and future players and fuel a thriving and growing fan base worldwide.
Achieving our mission demands exceptional dedication to rigorous global travel, heightened engagement with media, partners, and fans and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of stars. More than competitors, our players are partners in this effort to actively market the world’s most important sport. We’re deeply grateful to our players who embrace, enjoy, and appreciate the incredible opportunity we have to shape the game for the next era of players and fans."
Thank you, @BKoepka pic.twitter.com/Z4brvVd76e
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) December 23, 2025
In the statement, LIV also announced that Talor Gooch would take over as Captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season in Koepka's absence.
Koepka also had a statement through representatives. He specified that family was a major factor in his decision. In October, Koepka's wife, Jena, announced on Instagram that she had experienced a miscarriage.
"Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf. He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans. Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home," the golfer's statement through representatives said. "Brooks will continue to be a huge supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success. Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead."
The PGA Tour also released a statement on Koepka's exit from LIV, although it was brief.
"Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success," it said. "The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness."
Official Statement from the PGA TOUR pic.twitter.com/DkYCPnwRSg
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) December 23, 2025
Koepka, 35, missed the cut in three of the four major championships in the 2025 season, also failing to win on LIV. He became the first star to leave LIV.
MORE: What to know about the Masters Green Jacket
Brooks Koepka LIV Golf contract
In 2022, Koepka joined LIV Golf in a controversial move, after he had previously suggested that golfers would "sell out" by joining LIV. He was then suspended by the PGA Tour for playing in the LIV Golf Invitational Series. Koepka's deal was reportedly worth over $100 million over four years, lasting through 2026.
Koepka had one year remaining on his LIV contract before December's exit.
MORE: Ranking the five toughest courses in U.S. Open history
Brooks Koepka net worth
According to Spotrac, Koepka has made $97,300,514 in his career, including $46,065,848 from LIV Golf.
He has a net worth of $60 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.
Brooks Koepka LIV Golf Team
Koepka was the captain of LIV Golf team Smash GC prior to his exit. In his absence, it was announced that Talor Gooch will be the team's new captain.
MORE: How is links golf different from 'regular' golf?