The PGA Tour has officially launched its new Returning Member Program, allowing select players who have participated in LIV Golf to return. The announcement comes as the PGA Tour season kicks off with the Sony Open. Notably, major champion Brooks Koepka has already accepted the offer and will rejoin the Tour this month.
Under the new program, players who have won a major championship or the Players Championship since 2022 can rejoin the PGA Tour, albeit with certain penalties and conditions. This criteria narrows potential returnees to four LIV Golf players: Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Koepka. While Koepka has made his decision, the others have until February 2, 2026, to consider their options.
Will Other LIV Golf Players Follow Koepka’s Lead?
In recent press conferences, Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith expressed their reluctance to leave LIV Golf, but their tones hinted at some uncertainty. This topic generated significant discussion on the GOLF’s Subpar podcast, where hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz explored the implications of Koepka’s return.
Stoltz posed an intriguing question: Will any other players decide to rejoin the PGA Tour? Knost expressed his belief that at least one more player might take the plunge. “I think it would definitely have to make him think a little bit,” Knost said, referring to Rahm’s situation.
Stoltz pointed out that the PGA Tour’s approach could pressure other players to reconsider their commitments. “The PGA Tour is basically forcing their hand — if you want back, do it right now,” he noted. The return of Koepka is seen as a significant setback for LIV Golf, as they lose one of their premier talents who can now compete on the PGA Tour without delay.
The Impact on LIV Golf
Knost further emphasized the ramifications for LIV Golf, suggesting that Koepka’s return could weaken the rival tour. “I think it just absolutely destroys them,” he stated, highlighting the potential ripple effects of this decision.
There are concerns that LIV Golf may respond aggressively to the PGA Tour’s actions. With substantial financial backing from the Public Investment Fund, LIV could potentially offer lucrative contracts to retain its top players. Knost speculated, “They could say you know what, you are going to do this to us, OK fine, we are opening up our checkbook.”
As the situation unfolds, the golf community remains watchful. With Koepka’s return, the dynamics between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour are poised for further changes, and the decisions of Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith could shape the future landscape of professional golf.
For more insights on the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program and discussions from the Subpar podcast featuring Kip Henley, additional information is available online.
