Koepka’s PGA Tour Return Highlights a Mickelson-Targeted Reinstatement Policy

Brooks Koepka returns to the PGA Tour under the new Returning Members Program, which reinstates former members who have won The Players or a major between 2022 and 2025; Koepka qualifies with his 2023 PGA Championship. The piece argues Mickelson remains blocked unless the eligibility window is extended to 2021-2025, a point it frames as a subtle jab at Mickelson amid LIV history. It notes other potential returnees like Jon Rahm, Hideki Matsuyama, and Collin Morikawa could qualify under different timelines, and cites Mickelson’s drawing power as a possible argument for inclusion, but for now the policy is portrayed as targeted gatekeeping rather than a broad reintegration.”,