Former U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the PGA Tour's decision to allow Brooks Koepka to return after the five-time major champion accepted lucrative offers to play for the rival LIV Golf league. Clark suggested this move could encourage other players to seek a similar path, taking Saudi-backed money with the expectation of a eventual return.
Clark's Frustration with the "Returning Member" Program
Speaking on January 14, 2026, on the "Gravy and the Sleeze" SiriusXM PGA Tour radio show, Clark revealed his own experience. He confirmed he received an offer from LIV Golf in 2024, a year after his major victory at the U.S. Open. Clark argued that if players had known a return was possible, many more would have defected.
"And if you would have told me that I could have gone for a year-and-a-half, make a boatload of money and then be able to come back, play on the tour, I think almost everyone would have done that," Clark told hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stolz. He added that the situation is "a little frustrating" and questioned whether players will now challenge the system, citing Koepka's case as a potential blueprint.
PGA Tour's Stance and the Terms for Return
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has described Koepka's situation as a "unique situation." The tour created a specific "Returning Member Program" for players who had won majors or The Players Championship since 2022 and were at least two years removed from the tour. As part of his return, Koepka is required to make a $5 million charity donation and will be ineligible for tour equity grants for a period of five years.
Rolapp emphasized this was a one-time program "with no promise that this path will be available again." The same offer was extended to other major champions who joined LIV, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith, but that offer expires on February 2, 2026. All three have stated they are remaining with LIV Golf.
Mixed Reactions and the Future of Tour Loyalty
The decision has sparked debate within the golf world. Tiger Woods, a key player director on the PGA Tour's policy board, defended the move. "With Brooks' addition to tour, it does. It makes it a better place to play," Woods said, noting that Koepka's presence could increase the value for player-owners.
Clark, while stating he likes Koepka and believes the return is ultimately good for the tour's value, expressed a desire for stronger repercussions. He hopes the tour will hold firm on its deadline for other LIV players and not waver in the future. "I just hope they stick with that and they don't waiver on that maybe in like a year or two," Clark said, highlighting concerns over the precedent set by Koepka's negotiated return.
