PGA Tour Unveils Elite Return Path for Ex-LIV Stars

The PGA Tour launched a Returning Member Program offering an elite route back to the top level for players who have achieved elite performance, specifically those who won a major (The Players, Masters, PGA, U.S. Open, or The Open) between 2022 and 2025. Brooks Koepka has agreed to a five-year forfeiture of potential equity in the Tour’s Player Equity Program and a $5 million charitable contribution as part of the terms. Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith meet the criteria and have until Feb. 2 to decide on returning; Phil Mickelson does not meet the criteria. The move signals growing momentum for the PGA Tour over LIV amid ongoing questions about a merger and LIV’s future.)