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PGA Tour’s 2026 Returning Member Program for Elite LIV Golf Players Explained

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In January 2026, the PGA Tour introduced a one-time Returning Member Program for the 2026 season, creating a narrow pathway for select former members—primarily players who left for LIV Golf—to return under strict conditions.

The policy marks a notable departure from the Tour’s previous enforcement approach while remaining intentionally limited in scope. It is designed to address the situation of a small number of elite players rather than establish a broad reinstatement system.

Official Program Name and 2026 Timing

According to PGA Tour documentation, the initiative is formally titled the Returning Member Program and applies only to the 2026 season. Tour officials have emphasized that it is a one-off solution, not an ongoing policy or standing amnesty.

While “elite” is not part of the official name, the term is widely used in media coverage to describe the caliber of players who qualify under the program.

How Media and Analysts Describe the Policy

News outlets and analysts frequently refer to the initiative as an “elite Returning Member Program” or describe it as a framework or pathway for certain LIV Golf players to return to the PGA Tour. Some reports also use phrases such as “Returning Player Framework,” though these are descriptive labels rather than formal titles.

Coverage consistently highlights that the program was created specifically for top-level players, not for rank-and-file former members.

How the New Program Differs From Past PGA Tour Policy

Historically, players who joined tours deemed “unauthorized” by the PGA Tour faced suspensions and were required to requalify through normal competitive avenues once those suspensions ended.

The Returning Member Program changes that model for a limited group. Instead of requiring full requalification, the program offers an alternative avenue back that allows eligible players to reactivate remaining multi-season winner exemptions. In exchange, participants face significant financial penalties and competitive restrictions intended to maintain fairness for existing members.

PGA Tour explanations describe the policy as a “structured pathway” rather than a forgiveness mechanism.

Who Is Eligible for the PGA Tour Returning Member Program?

Eligibility under the Returning Member Program is deliberately narrow. To qualify, players must meet both of the following criteria:

  • Have been away from PGA Tour membership for at least two years, and
  • Have won The Players Championship or a men’s major championship (The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, or Open Championship) between 2022 and 2025.

As currently defined, reporting notes that only four LIV-connected stars meet these requirements:

  • Brooks Koepka
  • Jon Rahm
  • Bryson DeChambeau
  • Cameron Smith

This limited eligibility explains why coverage repeatedly characterizes the program as tailored for a very small, elite group rather than a broad reintegration effort.

A One-Time Policy, Not a Permanent Shift

The PGA Tour has framed the Returning Member Program as a situational response to the LIV Golf era rather than a fundamental change in philosophy. By limiting the program to 2026 and imposing substantial restrictions, the Tour has sought to balance elite-player returns with the interests of its existing membership.

As of now, the policy remains a one-season exception, and there has been no indication that the Returning Member Program will extend beyond 2026.

Quick FAQ

Will the PGA Tour Returning Member Program continue after 2026?
At this time, the PGA Tour has described the program as a one-off initiative limited to the 2026 season, with no plans announced for future years.

LIV Golf Officially Shifts to 72 Holes for 2026 Season

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LIV Golf Club 54 fans gather before tournament format change

LIV Golf will officially transition to a 72-hole tournament format, beginning with its 2026 season opener in Riyadh, marking a bold departure from the 54-hole format it has maintained since its inception.

The Saudi-backed league announced the change as part of a broader strategic alignment with traditional tours, such as the PGA and DP World Tour. While the shotgun start and 54-player field will remain, the tournaments will now span four rounds—bringing LIV closer to golf’s global standards.

“Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and delivers more of what the fans want,” said 2024 LIV individual champion Jon Rahm.

Weekly Format Changes, But Player Count Remains

Most LIV Golf events will now run from Thursday through Sunday, though the 2026 Riyadh event will begin on a Wednesday (Feb. 4) to align with the local weekend schedule.

Despite the added round, the field will remain capped at 54 players and no-cut rules are expected to stay in place. This ensures fans will see all top players compete across all four days, while preserving LIV’s team and individual competition elements.

Focus on Rankings Drives Format Change

One of the most pressing motivations for the change is LIV’s continued lack of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. LIV’s original 54-hole format was a key reason OWGR denied accreditation—effectively locking out its players from rising in the world rankings.

Without ranking points, LIV stars have seen their global status and eligibility for Major Championships decline. The shift to 72 holes aims to remove the format barrier, restoring competitive parity and addressing one of OWGR’s major objections.

Players Once Opposed, Now Support the Shift

According to LIV golfer Tyrrell Hatton, sentiment among players has shifted dramatically in just a year.

“I think of everyone who filled [the survey] out, there were only three guys initially who said ‘yes’ to moving to 72 holes,” Hatton shared in a recent press conference.

Many top players, including Rahm, have since lobbied for the change—believing that 72-hole events better prepare them for the physical and mental demands of major championships.

Golf World Responds with Mixed Reactions

The announcement has received mixed feedback from the broader golf community.

Rory McIlroy, a consistent defender of traditional tours, commented:

“It certainly puts them more in line with traditional golf tournaments… but it takes away from their disruptor identity.”

McIlroy also questioned whether the format change alone will be enough to secure OWGR points, hinting that LIV players may have already lost too much ground.

What This Means for LIV Golf’s Future

The 72-hole update represents a calculated gamble. LIV Golf is redefining its trademark speed and original format in hopes of achieving long-term credibility and entry into golf’s highest levels.

“This is a win for the League and the players,” Rahm added. “We are competitors to the core, and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level.”

As LIV heads toward 2026, all eyes will be on whether this traditional turn earns the validation the league has been chasing since launch.

PGA Tour Weekly Recap: Potgieter’s Breakthrough and Reed Wins in Dallas

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Aldrich Potgieter holding the Rocket Classic trophy after winning his first PGA Tour event.

The PGA Tour weekly recap is headlined by 20-year-old Aldrich Potgieter, who secured his first PGA Tour victory dramatically at the 2026 Rocket Classic. Potgieter triumphed in a 5-hole playoff after draining a long birdie putt on the final hole. The win comes with a share of the tournament’s $9.6 million purse and sets a strong tone for the rising star’s career. The Rocket Classic also announced changes to its weekend schedule beginning in 2026.

On the LIV Golf circuit, Patrick Reed captured his first win on the Saudi-funded tour by outlasting three competitors in a four-man playoff at LIV Golf Dallas. It marks a milestone moment for the former Masters champion on the LIV stage.

In Europe, Adrien Saddier earned his first European Tour title in his 200th start, claiming victory at the Italian Open.

On the senior tour, Padraig Harrington collected his second U.S. Senior Open championship, narrowly defeating Stewart Cink in another competitive showdown.

Meanwhile, on the LPGA Tour, a South Korean team took the title at the Dow Championship, a team-format event. Their win prevented American Lexi Thompson from adding to her trophy collection.

In the amateur ranks, Carlos Astiazaran of Vanderbilt secured the North & South Amateur title in a playoff finish.