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01/12 12:49 CST Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour under stiff financial penalty
just 5 weeks after leaving LIV
Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour under stiff financial penalty just 5 weeks
after leaving LIV
By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
HONOLULU (AP) --- Brooks Koepka is returning to the PGA Tour just five weeks
after bolting from LIV Golf, agreeing to a one-time program for elite players
that comes with a financial penalty that could rank among the largest in sports.
Koepka plans to resume his PGA Tour career in the Farmers Insurance Open at
Torrey Pines at the end of the month.
But he will not be eligible for PGA Tour equity grants for five years, he will
not receive FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026 and he cannot play signature events
unless he earns his way in.
The out-of-pocket cost is a $5 million charity donation to be decided jointly
with the tour. The financial repercussions --- no access to equity or FedEx Cup
bonus money this year --- is a potential loss the tour puts at $50 million and
upward.
Brian Rolapp, the CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, outlined the agreement with
Koepka and details of the "Returning Member Program" in a memo to players
Monday. A copy of the memo was obtained by The Associated Press.
Rolapp made clear, however, this was a one-time program and not a precedent. It
applies only to players who have won majors or The Players Championship from
2022 through 2025, meaning Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith would
be the only LIV players who could return. They have two weeks to decide.
Koepka will have to earn his way into $20 million signature events. He would be
added to the field to not take a spot from another tour player.
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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