Ever since it became clear just before Christmas that American golfer Brooks Koepka would not play on the lucrative LIV Tour in 2026, there have been rumors of a return to the PGA Tour in the United States.
“Will be angry”
On Monday, it became official that Koepka would be welcomed back. When Swedish world star Ludvig Åberg appeared on the PGA Tour's program "The Drop" a few hours later, he gave his opinion on Koepka's comeback.
"We all want to play against the best players and Brooks Koepka is definitely one of them, with his track record as a five-time major winner. Having him back on the PGA Tour will definitely help us play better golf," said Åberg.
It is not certain that Åberg speaks for all players on the PGA Tour. When several of the biggest stars left for LIV a few years ago, it stirred up strong emotions.
"There are definitely players who are happy and definitely players who will be angry," Koepka said in a telephone interview with the AP news agency.
“Harsh punishment”
Koepka will have to pay around $45 million in a penalty. That amount will go to charity. He will also miss out on large bonus payments over the next five years that players have been eligible for since they became part-owners of the tour. If the 35-year-old returns to his previous high level, the PGA Tour expects Koepka to miss out on income of around 460 to 780 million kronor ($50–85 million).
"It's a tough punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did it - it's meant to be painful," said Brooks Koepka.
