Brooks Koepka is BACK! Five things we now know ahead of 2026 PGA Tour return

The shockwaves from the PGA Tour’s stunning announcement are still being felt — and now Brooks Koepka has finally spoken.

Just weeks after sensationally quitting LIV Golf with one year left on his contract, the five-time major champion has been cleared to return to the PGA Tour under a newly created rule.

Immediately after news broke, Koepka, 35, thanked those who helped make his dramatic comeback possible — while admitting he knows the price he will pay.

• PGA Tour exec "getting an earful" from players over Brooks Koepka return

GolfMagic has listed below the five key things you need to know about Koepka’s return — and what it means for his PGA Tour return.

Let's get into it...

1️⃣ KOEPKA RETURNS THIS MONTH — AND CAN’T WAIT TO TEE IT UP

There’s no easing back in.

Koepka will return to the PGA Tour this month, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines from 29 January to 1 February.

He is also confirmed to compete a week later at the WM Phoenix Open at an expected rowdy TPC Scottsdale — where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2015.

And judging by his words, this is a comeback he’s been desperate to make.

Koepka wrote on social media: 

"When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the @PGATOUR, and I am just as excited today to announce that I am returning to the PGA Tour."

He added that being back on familiar ground made the decision even more special:

"Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me."

The countdown to Torrey Pines is officially on.

2️⃣ A BRAND-NEW PGA TOUR RULE HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING

Koepka’s return has only been made possible by a newly introduced “Returning Membership” policy, confirmed by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. 

The rule applies to players who:

• Have been away from the PGA Tour for at least two years
• Have won a major or The Players Championship since 2022

As a five-time major champion, Koepka qualifies without question.

Crucially, the policy could also open the door for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, all of whom boast major or Players pedigree.

But those players will need to be quick if they fancy following in Koepka's footsteps, as the deadline ends in three weeks' time, and perhaps more importantly two days before the start of the 2026 LIV Golf season. 

Koepka has made it clear he believes in the PGA Tour’s new direction, saying:

"I believe in where the PGA Tour is headed with new leadership, new investors, and an equity program that gives players a meaningful ownership stake."

The PGA Tour insists the rule is a response to a “unique set of circumstances” — but the landscape has undeniably shifted.

3️⃣ KOEPKA ACCEPTS A MASSIVE FINANCIAL HIT — AND OWNS IT

There’s no sugar-coating the consequences.

Koepka will now be ineligible for the PGA Tour Player Equity Program for five years (2026–2030).

He will also miss out on any FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026.

That could cost him between $50m and $85m in potential earnings.

But Koepka is fully aware and has publicly acknowledged the scale of that sacrifice.

He wrote:

"I also understand there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept those."

It’s a rare moment of blunt honesty — and proof this return is about far more than a pay cheque. Brooks is all in on the PGA Tour. 

Check out Koepka's social media post here, and scroll down for more...

4️⃣ HE’S AGREED TO A $5m CHARITY DONATION — WITHOUT HESITATION

As part of the deal, Koepka has also agreed to make a $5 million charitable donation of his choosing.

The payment forms part of the Tour’s “heavy and appropriate financial consequences” — and there was no resistance from Koepka.

Instead, his message focused on gratitude.

Koepka wrote:

"I want to thank my family and my team for their continued support throughout every step of my professional career."

The tone is clear: bridges have been rebuilt, not burned.

5️⃣ KOEPKA THANKS THE FANS — AND CONFIRMS WHERE HE’LL BE SEEN NEXT

Perhaps the most striking part of Koepka’s statement was his message to golf fans — many of whom never expected to see him back on the PGA Tour so soon.

He wrote:

"Finally, I want to thank the fans. Your support means more to me today than ever before, and I look forward to seeing you soon at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open."

That final line removes all doubt.

Koepka is back, he's committed, and he's ready to face the music — both on and off the course.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Four years after leaving for a reported $100m LIV Golf deal, Koepka is back where he always dreamed of being.

Yes, the penalties are severe. Yes, the debate will rage on. But Koepka has made his stance crystal clear.

This is about family, legacy and belief in the future of the PGA Tour.

And starting at Torrey Pines, one of the game’s biggest stars will once again be walking PGA Tour fairways — with the eyes of the golf world firmly fixed on him.

Welcome back to the PGA Tour, Brooksy.