PGA Tour confirms high-profile defection back from LIV Golf at huge financial cost

FootballSports
14 Jan 2026 • 5:40 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Brooks Koepka has rejoined the PGA Tour after leaving LIV Golf, agreeing to significant financial penalties and a $5 million charitable donation.
  • Despite Koepka's move, prominent LIV Golf players Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith have confirmed they will remain with the Saudi-backed league.
  • The PGA Tour's new 'Returning Member Program' is exclusively for major championship or Players Championship winners since 2022, which Koepka qualified for.
  • DeChambeau indicated he has a contract with LIV Golf and is expected to secure a new deal worth an estimated $500 million.
  • PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp stated Koepka's return includes a five-year forfeiture of potential equity in the Player Equity Program, estimated at $50-85 million.

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