Windham Clark and Brooks Koepka are scheduled to play in the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open this week.
This will be Koepka’s first tour appearance since June 2022, when he left to join LIV Golf. Meanwhile, Clark has already changed his mind about the former LIV golfer’s return to American golf.
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The five-time major champion regained his membership on the PGA Tour earlier this month after leaving LIV Golf. And at first, Clark was unsure what that meant for the tour.
Shortly after Koepka’s return, Clark said he felt there should have been more impact on those who made the move.
After initially being unsure, Windham Clark appears to have changed his mind about Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour. He now sees it as a positive move for himself and other players.
The big difference seems to be that two years ago no one really knew what a player like Koepka could bring to his return. Now it’s pretty clear what he added from a player’s perspective.
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“I think every time we get some news or new information, or every time we have an event with more people coming back from LIV or something,” Clark continued.
“We continue to learn how much value they actually bring compared to maybe before, whether they come back and make things worse or whatever it is.”
Windham Clark’s new position on Brooks Koepka’s return to PGA Tour
Photo by Harry Howe/Getty Images
Brooks Koepka’s return to action has been a hot topic on the PGA Tour, and the five-time major champion is scheduled to play his first game back at Torrey Pines this week.
Clark made the remarks during Monday night’s TGL game between Boston Common and The Bay when asked about Koepka’s return to the circuit.
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This time around, Clark seems more supportive of Koepka’s return and sounded more positive than he did earlier this month.
“So, at least on the U.S. team side, we all love Brooks. I’m a good friend of Brooks. I know he’s missed some of the PGA Tour, but I think he’s excited to be back.”
“Like Shane said, I think it’s great for the Tour. But you never know. He’ll probably be one of the first of many.”
“But yeah, I think it just helps the tour. And I think anything that helps the tour is what we all want, because it ultimately helps all of us.”
The effects go both ways – strengthening one circuit and weakening the other, but it remains to be seen how much weight his return will actually carry.
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Why Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour will benefit other players
Koepka will be ineligible for player equity programs or FedEx Cup bonuses for five years, so other players could benefit financially if he plays well.
As part of his comeback, he also agreed to donate $5 million to charity.
It’s clear that Koepka was eager to return from LIV. The financial terms he accepted reflect how much he wanted this move.
He won’t be able to participate in any of the tour’s signature events right away and will need to qualify through on-course performance.
The road ahead will not be easy. Many obstacles stand in his way as he attempts to re-establish himself as a member of golf’s elite.
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But given his ability, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Koepka back in contention at a major tournament in the near future.
