Michael Kim shared his view on Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return and the new Returning Player Program.
PGA Tour professional Michael Kim has backed Brooks Koepka’s high-profile return to the PGA Tour under its new Returning Player Program, describing the decision to reinstate him as “the better one” despite some criticism from inside the locker room.
Koepka is the first player to rejoin the tour after leaving for LIV Golf in 2022, accepting what he called “penalties meant to hurt.”
Michael Kim backs Brooks Koepka return, questions punishments
Sharing his views on X, Michael Kim said he was surprised by the scale of Brooks Koepka’s penalties but supported the tour’s decision to bring him back.
Kim added that Koepka’s willingness to return early rather than waiting for his LIV contract to end may have influenced the tour’s stance.
“I’m actually surprised at the amount of ‘penalties’ that Brooks has to take on,” he wrote. “It was the better decision to welcome him back.
“Most of the ‘anger’ comes from feeling like we missed out, but that’s not a place to make smart decisions from.
“I think it was a big deal to the tour that Brooks didn’t wait until his contract with LIV ended, and said no to probably a lot of money to come back to the tour. Some guys are p—–, but ironically, I think the top guys are more okay with it.”
“I get why some guys are mad, but in the end, the tour has to make decisions that are better for the tour overall, and Brooks coming back is good.”
“For me personally, I’m not mad or happy he’s back. We knew it was coming for a while, and my job doesn’t change. I’m trying to win this tournament and play the best that I can this year. That’s it.”
Brooks Koepka’s punishment part of Returning Player Program
Brooks Koepka’s reinstatement falls under a one-time policy that allows recent major or Players Championship winners to return.
As reported by ESPN, the program requires returning players to make a $5 million charitable donation, forgo FedEx Cup bonus eligibility for 2026, and remain ineligible for PGA Tour equity grants for five years. Players are also barred from receiving sponsor exemptions into the tour’s $20 million signature events.
Koepka, who said that “there was no negotiating” in his reinstatement, acknowledged that the conditions were designed to carry consequences.
The PGA Tour estimates the financial impact of the program could amount to between $50 million and $85 million in lost value for players like Koepka over five years.
Kim’s response highlights a growing acceptance among professionals that readmitting top players like Koepka — even under strict terms — may ultimately strengthen the PGA Tour’s position as it continues to define its future against LIV Golf’s rival circuit.
Read More: Brooks Koepka admits $85 million PGA Tour return punishment ‘is meant to hurt’
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