Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour—and the penalties and deadline in this new returning member policy could reshape the future of LIV Golf.

In this week’s episode of The Golf Podcast we’ll break down the PGA Tour’s brand-new Returning Member Program and ask the big question: is this the beginning of the end for LIV Golf?

With Brooks Koepka returning to the PGA Tour immediately, we unpack the penalties that came with the deal—starting with a reported $5 million charitable donation, five years of ineligibility for the PGA Tour equity program, and even being ineligible for the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus (even if he wins it).

We also explain the program’s eligibility rules—a major (or THE PLAYERS) win since 2022 and at least two years away—which narrows the door to a select few names like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith, plus a hard application deadline of February 2.

We react to your poll results, debate the “optics” of players paying a price to come back, and discuss why the PGA Tour structured the policy to protect current members (including minimum event requirements and field considerations).

Thanks for tuning to The Golf Podcast!

Cover Image via X