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Brooks Koepka took the golf world by storm in the late 2010s, winning four major tournaments between 2018 and 2019.
His dominance in the majors made him an instant fan favorite, but after his move to LIV Golf in 2022, fans saw a lot less of Koepka.
Indeed, after leaving the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed league, Koepka was only eligible to play in major tournaments. However, his performance in 2023, capped by his third PGA Championship victory, also earned him a Ryder Cup nod.
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Tiger Woods of the United States walks off the 13th tee with playing partner Brooks Koepka of the United States during the first round of the 2019 PGA Championship on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on May 16, 2019 in Farmingdale, New York. (David Cannon/Getty Images)
But amid poor play since then and after rumors of buyer’s remorse, Koepka left LIV Golf with one year remaining on his contract to return to the PGA Tour last week.
Speaking about Koepka’s return, Tiger Woods said it was “amazing for all the fans.”
“They want to see the best play against the best,” Woods told ESPN on Tuesday. “And Brooks wanted to come back, a year early, and he was able to do it.”
“There are punitive damages, but it’s a meritocracy. That’s what makes our game so great. He’s going to compete in full events and he has the ability to qualify for marquee events. If he’s good, he’s good. If he plays well, he plays well. If he wins tournaments, he wins tournaments. There’s no reason for us to hold him back,” Woods continued.
Koepka withdrew from LIV Golf late last month, citing family time as the reason for his departure. Ironically, he’ll be on the road even more after joining the PGA Tour. In fact, Cameron Smith reiterated his commitment to LIV Golf earlier this week, saying it allows him to be home more often.
“As a kid, I always dreamed of competing in the @PGATOUR, and I’m just as excited today to announce that I’m returning to the PGA TOUR. Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful for me,” Koepka said in his PGA Tour return announcement.
Brooks Koepka during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow. (Aaron Doster-Imagn Images)
LIV GOLF STARS PLEDGE TO STAY PUT AFTER BROOKS KOEPKA DEPARTURE AND RETURN TO PGA TOUR
“I believe in the direction the PGA TOUR is heading with new leadership, new investors and an equity program that gives players meaningful ownership. I also understand that there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept them.”
Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour, said Koepka’s return sparked the member return program for those who have left the company and may decide to follow in Koepka’s footsteps.
Rolapp said Koepka agreed to a few conditions upon his return to the PGA Tour, including a “five-year forfeiture of potential capital in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program, representing one of the largest financial fallouts in the history of professional sports, with estimates that he could miss out on approximately $50 million to $85 million in potential earnings, depending on his competitive performance and the growth of the Tour,” according to Rolapp. Koepka will also make a $5 million charitable donation to a yet-to-be-determined organization.
Brooks Koepka during a training session ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St. Andrews on September 30, 2025, in St Andrews, Scotland. (Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Koepka became the first person to return to the PGA Tour after defecting to LIV Golf.
