![\"Alfred](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768266489_954_.jpeg\")
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PGA Tour announces Returning Member Program based on \u201celite-performance based criteria.\u201d This paves the way back for specific LIV Golf players, including Brooks Koepka.<\/p>\n
The new policy is a powerful punch from the Tour. It appeases the many of circuit\u2019s membership with a hefty pound of flesh (Koepka and any other LIV player who returns won\u2019t be eligible for equity in the Tour for five years, which could be worth as much as $63 million) all while stopping short of making any potential punishments too onerous.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, I think it\u2019s great they are figuring out a pathway and bringing some guys back slowly,\u201d Swafford said. \u201cThey can feel out the Tour side and the player reactions. Golf\u2019s not big enough to be separated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Swafford\u2019s take is worth considering because, before Koepka decided he wanted back into the Tour fold and the circuit\u2019s CEO Brian Rolapp offered his inspired option, the former University of Georgia star tested the waters.<\/p>\n
Swafford was among the first Tour players to defy the circuit\u2019s regulations and play a LIV event. He also was one of the players who challenged those regulations in court. So when he was relegated off the Saudi-funded league in 2024 because of injury and poor play, his path back to the Tour was not nearly as tidy as Koepka\u2019s is now.<\/p>\n
Essentially, Swafford, who reapplied for membership last year, was told he wouldn\u2019t be eligible to play a Tour-sanctioned event \u2014 which includes Q-School and Korn Ferry Tour events \u2014 until 2027 based on his time at LIV, which included five starts before the 2022 FedExCup playoffs.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrooks came in one week later,\u201d Swafford pointed out before quickly adding, \u201cIt is what it is. I made my own decision based on all the facts I had. I got injured, started playing terrible golf, life isn\u2019t fair all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
If anyone has reason to feel a certain kind of way about the Tour\u2019s decision to so quickly welcome back Koepka, as well as the other three potential stars from LIV Golf, it\u2019s Swafford. But taking the view from 30,000 feet is a much more refreshing way to tackle a wildly complex issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had my angry moments, but I wasn\u2019t surprised by this,\u201d Swafford said. \u201cThat\u2019s a big win for the Tour.\u201d<\/p>\n