The return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour after his lucrative stint with LIV Golf has sparked a pointed reaction from fellow professional Wyndham Clark, who suggested the sanctions were not tough enough.
A Controversial Comeback
Brooks Koepka is set to rejoin the PGA Tour for the 2026 season, just three years after his high-profile defection to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. The five-time major champion walked away from his LIV contract, reportedly worth a staggering £74.6 million annually, with 12 months still remaining on the deal.
His return is facilitated by the PGA Tour's newly introduced returning member programme. As part of the agreement, Koepka must make a £3.7 million charitable contribution and will forfeit eligibility for the Tour's player equity scheme from 2026 to 2030, a move that could cost him up to £63 million. He will also receive no payments from the 2026 FedExCup Bonus Program.
Clark's Mixed Feelings
2023 US Open winner Wyndham Clark has publicly expressed his conflicted emotions regarding the situation. Speaking to SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, Clark admitted he personally likes Koepka and believes his return is good for the Tour's strength. However, he summarised his unease with a nine-word comment, claiming Koepka was "able to get the cake and also eat it."
"I'm so torn," Clark stated. "I wish maybe there were a few more repercussions, but I am glad the things they set in place are pretty decent." He emphasised his ultimate desire for what is best for the PGA Tour, acknowledging that the return of top players like Koepka would help elevate the tour and, consequently, benefit all players.
Qualifications and Wider Reactions
Despite his 2023 PGA Championship victory securing his PGA Tour card until 2028, Koepka will not have automatic entry into the season's 'signature' events, such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. To qualify, he will need to either win a standard PGA Tour event or play his way into the world's top 30 rankings.
The golfing legend Tiger Woods has welcomed Koepka's return, acknowledging it may divide opinion but insisting it strengthens the tour. "With Brooks' addition to the Tour, it does. It makes it a better place to play," Woods said, highlighting the financial boost for player-owners through increased equity value.
Clark concluded by endorsing the "hard deadline" for returns set by the tour, expressing hope that officials would not waver on the policy in the coming years. The saga continues to highlight the complex and evolving relationship between the established PGA Tour and the disruptive LIV Golf series.
