Brooks Koepka Returns to PGA Tour at Torrey Pines, Citing Family and Fresh Start
TORONTO, January 29, 2026 – The prodigal son of professional golf has returned. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka is set to make his first start in a regular PGA Tour event in nearly four years this week at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, marking a seismic shift in the sport’s ongoing saga. Koepka, who left for the LIV Golf League in 2022, secured an early release from his contract and has been formally reinstated by the PGA Tour, albeit with significant conditions attached to his high-profile comeback.
The Road Back: Punishments and Provisions
Koepka’s return to his original tour was not without cost. The PGA Tour approved his reinstatement under a strict set of penalties designed for players who defected to the rival circuit. According to reports, the terms include a substantial charitable donation and the forfeiture of certain financial benefits. Fellow major winner Patrick Reed has also followed a similar path back to the PGA Tour, signalling a potential trend as 2026 begins.
Key Facts: Koepka’s PGA Tour Return
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Tournament | Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines (Starts January 29) |
| Last PGA Tour Event | World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play (March 2022) |
| Key Reason for Return | Cited family and desire for a “fresh start” |
| Major PGA Tour Penalties | ~$6.8 million CAD charitable donation; Ineligible for Player Equity Program for 5 years; Ineligible for 2026 FedEx Cup bonus money |
| First Call After Release | Revealed he called Tiger Woods to discuss his return |
Nerves and a New Chapter at a Familiar Venue
Despite his reputation as golf’s preeminent big-game hunter, Koepka has admitted to feeling nerves ahead of his comeback. “Maybe I’m a little nervous about that as well, just to see how the fans respond to it,” Koepka said in a press conference at Torrey Pines. “I hope that they’re excited. I hope that they’re happy I’m back.” He acknowledged his history at the venue is mixed—highlighted by a tie for fourth in the 2021 U.S. Open—but framed this week as a reset. “I guess it’s a fresh start for me, which is cool,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Brooks Koepka leave LIV Golf?
Koepka’s contract with LIV Golf concluded at the end of 2025, opening the door for his departure. He has cited a desire for a fresh start and family considerations as primary reasons for seeking a return to the PGA Tour.
What are the terms of his PGA Tour return?
Koepka’s reinstatement came with several conditions: a charitable donation of approximately $6.8 million CAD, ineligibility for the Tour’s Player Equity Program for five years, and no access to FedEx Cup bonus money for the 2026 season.
Is he playing in the Farmers Insurance Open?
Yes. Brooks Koepka is in the field for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, which begins on Thursday, January 29, 2026. This will be his first non-major PGA Tour start since March 2022.