Major champions have given their verdict on the controversial return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour, with the former world number one set to tee off later this month after a costly settlement.
The Path Back: A Multi-Million Pound Penalty
Brooks Koepka, the five-time major champion, is poised to make his return to the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open later in January. His comeback follows a four-season stint with the rival LIV Golf circuit and comes at a significant financial cost.
Under the tour's new Returning Members Program, Koepka avoided a potential one-year suspension by agreeing to a substantial settlement. This requires him to make a $5 million donation to charity and forgo future earnings from the PGA Tour's lucrative Player Equity Program, which could have been worth up to $85 million.
The 35-year-old American qualified for this route back because his victory at the 2023 US PGA Championship granted him tour membership, and he has been absent for more than two years. The same policy is designed to potentially lure other LIV stars like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith back to the fold.
Tour "Stronger" With Koepka, Says Open Champion
The return of the first major LIV defector has received a cautious welcome from his peers, who acknowledge the star power he brings. Brian Harman, the 2023 Open champion, admitted initial upset but called the punishment "real."
"The positive is the tour with Brooks Koepka is a stronger tour," Harman stated. "Regardless of how you feel about him leaving the PGA Tour, regardless of how you feel about LIV Golf, the PGA Tour is stronger today. I find it to be an OK compromise."
Harman addressed the absence of a one-year suspension, noting it would be a hurdle for some players to accept, but emphasised that "$5 million is a lot." He added that the deal shows LIV players "there's a price you have to pay to come back."
"Substantial" Financial Hit and Fan Reaction
Jordan Spieth, a three-time major winner, described the financial penalties as "substantial enough." He pointed out that the true cost won't be known until the future growth of the tour's equity is seen, but conceded it represented a clear penalty.
"You're not going to ask somebody to change to please other people," Spieth said. "I don't think he needs to play Monday pro-ams or walk along the range and shake everyone's hand and say, 'I’m sorry.' He just comes back and plays really good golf. That's good for everybody."
Koepka himself has admitted he expects a "mixed bag" of reactions and understands some players will be "angry." His second scheduled event back will be the rowdy WM Phoenix Open, known for its boisterous 16th hole.
2019 US Open champion Gary Woodland, a friend of Koepka's, believes he can handle any scrutiny. "Brooks is one person who can handle it," Woodland insisted. "When he gets inside the ropes, his job is to play golf. He’s got broad shoulders. He’ll be able to handle any scrutiny that comes his way."
The move is seen as a significant moment in golf's ongoing saga, potentially setting a precedent for other players seeking to return from the Saudi-backed league.
