Jordan Spieth makes plea to Brooks Koepka ahead of PGA Tour return

Jordan Spieth has implored Brooks Koepka to be himself when he returns to the PGA Tour later this month. 

Koepka dramatically quit LIV Golf in December and has already secured an immediate return to the established tour. 

The PGA Tour opened the door for the return of Koepka via a new scheme called the 'returning member programme'. 

It was developed and approved by the policy board last week after Koepka notified the circuit of his desire to be reinstated. 

It only applies to players who have won a major championship or The Players since 2022. 

In other words, the PGA Tour would only entertain the idea of having Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith back on their books. 

Rahm has reportedly rejected the offer, according to TenGolf, whilst DeChambeau is yet to comment on the proposal. 

Spieth told the Associated Press that Koepka does not need to apologise to PGA Tour members when he returns to action at the Farmers Insurance Open later this month. 

"You're not going to ask somebody to change to please other people," Spieth told AP. 

"I don't think he needs to play Monday pro-ams or walk along the range and shake everyone's and say, 'I'm sorry.' 

"He just comes back and plays really good golf. That's good for everybody."

What has Brooks Koepka said about his return?

Koepka released a short statement on Monday, saying it has always been his dream to compete on the PGA Tour. 

He said he believes in where the PGA Tour is heading under their new leadership. 

And he accepts the penalties that have been imposed upon him. 

Koepka will make a $5m donation to an agreed upon charity and forego any payment from the FedEx Cup bonus scheme this season. 

He is also unable to access the PGA Tour's equity grants for five years - estimated to amount to $50/85m - and has to play his way into the signature events. 

Koepka told AP that he is "ready" for how he is received inside and out of the ropes. 

"I've got a lot of work to do with some of the players.

"There's definitely guys who are happy, and definitely guys who will be angry. It’s a harsh punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did that — it’s meant to hurt. But it (his departure) hurt a lot of people.

"If anyone is upset, I need to rebuild those relationships."

Koepka said he did not seek to negotiate his return. 

"It's not supposed to be an easy path," he said. "There's a lot of people that were hurt by it when I left, and I understand that’s part of coming back."

Koepka said he expects to be a little bit nervous when he returns at Torrey Pines. 

"There's a lot going on than just golf," said Koepka.  

"I'll be glad to put the first week behind me — dealing with the media, dealing with the players, and then getting some of those tougher conversations. 

"But I'm looking forward to it."

“Am I nervous? Yes. Am I excited? Yes. In a weird way, I want to have those conversations."