PGA Tour's Returning Member Program outlines a path for returning players.

The PGA Tour announced a one-time Returning Member Program that creates a specific route for certain former members to seek reinstatement, and Brooks Koepka was approved as the program's first returning member.

The PGA Tour announced the Returning Member Program on Jan. 12 as a one-time initiative to provide a path back for certain players who left for unauthorized events. Brooks Koepka filed for reinstatement last Friday and was approved Monday as the program's first member. The program is aimed at players who meet elite performance criteria and who have been away from PGA Tour membership for at least two years. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described the window as defined and said it does not set a precedent for future situations. Key details: - Eligibility: Players who competed in tournaments the PGA Tour calls "unauthorized" and who have not been PGA Tour members for at least two years, plus a major or Players Championship win between 2022 and 2025. - Examples of eligible players named in the article: Bryson DeChambeau (2024 U.S. Open), Jon Rahm (2023 Masters), and Cameron Smith (2022 Players and 2022 Open Championship). - Exempt status and fields: Returning members may use remaining portions of multi-season exemptions but for no longer than if they had stayed continuously; they are added to event fields without reducing other players' eligibility. - Signature events and sponsor exemptions: Returning members must qualify for signature events through play-in categories (Aon Next 10, Aon Swing 5, OWGR top 30, full-field event win) and are ineligible for sponsor exemptions. - FedEx Cup and prize money: Returning members may earn official FedEx Cup points and prize money (including at the Tour Championship) but will not affect other players' rankings for Playoffs qualification; they will be excluded from certain member benefit payments (Earnings Assurance Program and Recurring Equity Grants) for 2026–2030 and will not receive a 2026 FedEx Cup Bonus Program payment. - Participation requirement: A returning member must play at least 15 cosponsored and approved tournaments in the 2026 season. Summary: The program creates a limited, performance-based route for select former members to rejoin the PGA Tour and includes playing, entry and financial restrictions. Brooks Koepka is the first approved returning member, and the article notes up to three other LIV players meet the stated criteria. Undetermined at this time.