Australia’s Cameron Smith is one of multiple LIV Golf stars offered an ultimatum by the PGA Tour as Brooks Koepka officially rejoined the US Tour on Tuesday morning AEDT.
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Smith, two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and former world No.1 Jon Rahm have been given until February 2 to apply for reinstatement to the PGA Tour, if they are interested, after the ‘Returning Member Program’ was introduced to facilitate Koepka’s comeback.
The ‘Returning Member Program’ is only an option for players who have won a major championship or the Players Championship since the men’s game was split in two in 2022.
That means Smith is eligible courtesy of his triumphs at TPC Sawgrass and St Andrews that year.
“This is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again,” PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said in a letter to fans.
“We will continue to aggressively pursue anything that enhances the fan experience and makes the PGA Tour stronger.
“This is part of our commitment to fans, who expect the world’s best players to compete on the PGA Tour week in and week out.”
Despite the olive branch being extended to Smith, Rahm and DeChambeau, it did not include six-time major champion Phil Mickelson.
The 2022 cut avoids Mickelson’s unforgettable 2021 PGA Championship victory, when at age 50 he became the oldest major champion.
Mickelson would be unlikely to re-join the PGA Tour given he is firmly in the LIV camp, and with Tiger Woods being one of the key decision makers in the ‘Returning Player Program’ it adds a new layer to their long-time rivalry that was re-ignited by Mickelson’s switch to LIV and his many disparaging comments towards his former employers.
In response to the PGA Tour’s announcement, LIV Golf issued their own eyebrow raising statement that seemed to show they are okay with players leaving the breakaway tour, while also taking a sly dig at the exclusivity of the ‘Returning Player Program’.
“From the outset, LIV Golf has championed an open ecosystem and freedom, for all. Not just for a limited few,” the statement read.
“One that supports players’ rights to compete across various platforms, reinforcing the belief that the growth of the game is best served when the game’s best players are empowered to seek the most competitive environments around the world.”
Koepka, meanwhile, will make his return to the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California this month, but his decision to jump back over the fence dividing men’s professional golf comes with a few restrictions.
Koepka will not be allowed to obtain sponsor invites into signature events, he will hold no Tour equity for five years and will be ineligible for any FedEx Cup bonus money this year – which the Tour estimates could range between US$55-90 million – as well as being hit with a US$5 million fine.
“Forfeiting five years of potential equity in our Player Equity Program represents one of the largest financial repercussions in professional sports history,” Rolapp said in a memo to players.
Koepka has copped the financial blow on the chin, however, and been granted his wish after applying for reinstatement on December 23.
“When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the PGA Tour, and I am just as excited today to announce that I am returning to the PGA Tour,” Koepka said in the statement.
“Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me.
“I believe in where the PGA TOUR is headed with new leadership, new investors and an equity program that gives players a meaningful ownership stake.
“I also understand there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept those.”
Rolapp also stressed that Koepka will not be taking the place of a current PGA Tour member in any fields he competes in, saying instead a spot will be added.
Rolapp reportedly informed players of the decision on Monday and explained that it had been approved by the PGA Tour Policy Board and the PGA Tour Enterprises Board, both of which include Tiger Woods along with Australian star Adam Scott.
“In evaluating the situation, our objectives were clear: (1) make the PGA Tour stronger, (2) preserve playing opportunities for current members and (3) deliver on fan desire to see the best players in the world back on our Tour, while ensuring Returning Members must accept severe yet appropriate financial consequences,” Rolapp’s memo said.
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