PGA Tour Returning Member Program

[boogielicious]

Well Brooks can come back, but there are serious financial considerations.

Quote

Designed to provide an alternative path back to PGA TOUR competition for past members who have achieved the highest accomplishments in the game, the Returning Member Program mandates heavy and appropriate limitations to both tournament access and potential earnings that we believe properly holds returning members accountable for substantial compensation earned elsewhere. It also includes elite performance-based criteria that requires winning THE PLAYERS Championship, Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open or The Open Championship between 2022 and 2025.

Its strict limitations, which Brooks has agreed to, include a five-year forfeiture of potential equity in the PGA TOUR's Player Equity Program, representing one of the largest financial repercussions in professional sports history, with estimations that he could miss out on approximately $50-85 million in potential earnings, depending on his competitive performance and the growth of the TOUR. At the request of the PGA TOUR, Brooks has also agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution, the recipient(s) of which will be determined jointly.

Importantly, the Returning Member Program will not take away playing opportunities from current members — fields will be expanded as needed.

 

Brian Rolapp pens letter to fans around launch of Returning Member Program - PGA TOUR

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As the 2026 PGA TOUR Season begins this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii, I wanted to provide an update to our fans on recent player developments that have been

 

[iacas]

That's not quite the same thing as what some people messaged me today.

[boogielicious]

LIV Players who didn’t win a major will not have easy access to return though. If more major winners like BD or Cam Smith bug out, LIV may not have a draw anymore.

Quote

It also includes elite performance-based criteria that requires winning THE PLAYERS Championship, Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open or The Open Championship between 2022 and 2025.

 

[Ty_Webb]

21 minutes ago, boogielicious said:

LIV Players who didn’t win a major will not have easy access to return though. If more major winners like BD or Cam Smith bug out, LIV may not have a draw anymore.

 

anymore?

[boogielicious]

11 minutes ago, Ty_Webb said:

anymore?

Haven’t heard about any but rumors were that BD was not renewing with LIV.

[iacas]

53 minutes ago, boogielicious said:

Haven’t heard about any but rumors were that BD was not renewing with LIV.

He was saying that it doesn't have an audience now… 🙂 

[Mystique]

I used to play full-time, took some time off, and now it’s like, “Hey, we’ll let you skip the boring qualifiers and just jump back in.” Feels like cheating, but in a totally legal way.

Edited January 13 by Mystique

[Archie Bunker]

5 million penalty for Brooks is like a parking ticket, compared to what the Saudis paid him. Even with all the bonus money he won't be getting, I'm sure he did the math to know that he's coming out way ahead.

[iacas]

22 minutes ago, Archie Bunker said:

5 million penalty for Brooks is like a parking ticket, compared to what the Saudis paid him. Even with all the bonus money he won't be getting, I'm sure he did the math to know that he's coming out way ahead.

Maybe slightly ahead, but the five years of non-equity being potentially $85M isn't a small thing.

[Pablo Quintero]

What are your thoughts on Brooks Koepka coming back to the PGA TOUR this week?

Are you excited??? 

[boogielicious]

We talked about it here. He a talented player but has zero personality. If other big names follow, LIV may be in trouble which is fine by me.

 

[boogielicious]

Looks like Pat Reed, Kevin Na, Hudson Swafford (the most country club name ever) and Pat Perez are returning. No news on punishments. Only Reed has one a major.

[Archie Bunker]

Reed won't have to pay any penalties since he resigned from the PGA tour before he left for LIV. Smart move. Not sure about the other guys, but we sure didn't miss them. Maybe they need to earn their way on the Korn Ferry Tour first.

[iacas]

37 minutes ago, Archie Bunker said:

Reed won't have to pay any penalties since he resigned from the PGA tour before he left for LIV. Smart move. Not sure about the other guys, but we sure didn't miss them. Maybe they need to earn their way on the Korn Ferry Tour first.

What other guys?

Rahm and Bryson were missed.

[Ty_Webb]

2 hours ago, iacas said:

What other guys?

Rahm and Bryson were missed.

I would imagine that most of them were not missed particularly by the PGA Tour. Rahm, Bryson definitely. I think Cam Smith was quite a big loss. They probably miss Phil since he's a pretty good draw and DJ as well. I presume them plus Brooks minus Phil are the five who were allowed to rejoin immediately while paying the fines vs Reed who needs to wait until August. 

[boogielicious]

Rahm was the one who disappointed me the most. I really liked watching him. Most of the others I did not miss.

[dennyjones]

Since Reed resigned from the PGAT will he have to qualify again?

[iacas]

30 minutes ago, dennyjones said:

Since Reed resigned from the PGAT will he have to qualify again?

Not exactly.