LIV Golf issue statement as Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour and faces big loss | Golf | Sport

LIV Golf has reaffirmed its commitment to its product following the announcement that Brooks Koepka will make a dramatic return to the PGA Tour later this month. Koepka, a five-time major champion, joined LIV in 2022 but parted ways with the league abruptly in December. His team cited a desire for him to spend more time with his family, who had a challenging 2025 after his wife, Jena Sims, suffered a miscarriage. His departure from LIV paved the way for a return to the PGA Tour, although there were numerous hurdles to overcome before a comeback could be realised.

However, these issues were swiftly resolved, with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp confirming Koepka’s return at the Farmers Insurance Open on January 29. Koepka’s comeback comes with several stipulations, including a $5million (£3.7m) donation to charity. He is also barred from receiving equity from the PGA Tour for five years and is ineligible for a FedEx Cup bonus payout in 2026. The PGA believes the financial repercussions could amount to a potential loss of $50m (£37m) or even more.

While he is allowed to compete in the Presidents Cup and TGL, he won’t be participating in any signature events and cannot receive sponsor invitations this season. However, he can still play if he qualifies through performance.

Koepka’s exit from LIV Golf and swift return to the PGA Tour is a significant setback for the league. His journey back to the PGA Tour may serve as a blueprint for other LIV members considering a similar move.

Following the confirmation of Koepka’s PGA Tour membership, LIV released a statement that did not specifically mention the 35-year-old but clearly hinted they were responding to the news. The statement hailed LIV as the “world’s league” and also “the most competitive, challenging, and lucrative environment” for players.

The statement read: “From the outset, LIV Golf has championed an open ecosystem and freedom, for all. Not just for a limited few. One that supports players’ rights to compete across various platforms, reinforcing the belief that the growth of the game is best served when the game’s best players are empowered to seek the most competitive environments around the world.

“LIV Golf’s vision remains unchanged – to grow the game of golf globally – and as that vision gains momentum across the broader golf landscape, the capacity to deliver on it continues to strengthen by expanding pathways and opportunity beyond any single institution or interest.

“As the world’s golf league, LIV Golf continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging, and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness on a global scale. Long LIV Golf.”

In a message from Brian Rolapp, the CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, that was seen by The Associated Press, Rolapp said: “Only those who have recently achieved the highest accomplishments in the game are eligible to return to the PGA Tour, where the best players in the world compete, week in and week out.

“This is a one-time, defined window and is not a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.”

Koepka expressed his gratitude to his family and team in a social media post. He added: “When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the PGA Tour, and I am just as excited today to announce that I am returning to the PGA TOUR. Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me.

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

“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.”