Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour—and the penalties and deadline in this new returning member policy could reshape the future of LIV Golf.

In this week's episode of The Golf Podcast we'll break down the PGA Tour's brand-new Returning Member Program and ask the big question: is this the beginning of the end for LIV Golf?

With Brooks Koepka returning to the PGA Tour immediately, we unpack the penalties that came with the deal—starting with a reported $5 million charitable donation, five years of ineligibility for the PGA Tour equity program, and even being ineligible for the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus (even if he wins it).

We also explain the program's eligibility rules—a major (or THE PLAYERS) win since 2022 and at least two years away—which narrows the door to a select few names like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith, plus a hard application deadline of February 2.

We react to your poll results, debate the "optics" of players paying a price to come back, and discuss why the PGA Tour structured the policy to protect current members (including minimum event requirements and field considerations).

After Brooks Koepka's shocking LIV departure, Rory McIlroy's harsh comments raise even more questions about the league's future.

In this week's episode of The Golf Podcast, we break down the latest shake-up in the world of professional golf as Rory McIlroy's recent comments on LIV Golf spark fresh debate across the game.

Rory openly discussed welcoming Brooks Koepka back into the TGL and potentially clearing pathways for a return to the PGA Tour, while also questioning whether LIV has truly resonated with fans. Those remarks, combined with Brooks' decision to leave LIV and sit out the season, have many fans wondering if another major move could be coming next. Specifically, could Bryson DeChambeau follow a similar path when his contract comes up at the end of 2026?

We unpack Rory's quotes in full, analyze Bryson's own responses, and discuss whether his success on LIV, YouTube growth, and commercial momentum make a return unlikely—or simply a strategic bargaining position.

On top of that, we dive into the latest update from the Official World Golf Rankings, including renewed discussions around LIV's application and what recent structural changes could mean for ranking points moving forward. From potential pathways back to the PGA Tour to the broader implications for LIV's future, there's a lot to unpack as the new year gets underway.

We have you covered for your next big golf trip with five can't-miss destinations (from bucket-list to surprisingly affordable) including the exact stay/play/eat game plan to book it right.

In this week's episode of The Golf Podcast, we're breaking down five golf trips you need to take this year—with real "boots on the ground" advice from places we actually played. If you've been staring at a group text trying to figure out where to go next (and how to make it memorable without torching the budget), this episode is your blueprint.

We cover a spectrum of trips: a next-level Scottsdale, Arizona stay with golf amenities that keep the competition going long after your round, a true golf-purist bucket list escape to Sand Valley (with tips on courses, food, lodging, and why caddies matter), and a wildly underrated "budget meets bucket list" play—staying on-property at Tobacco Road in the Stewart Cabin, complete with night golf potential.

We also hit two sleeper destinations that deliver major value: Outer Banks, North Carolina for shoulder-season conditions and affordable golf cottages, plus the Jersey Shore/Atlantic City area for a golf-and-nightlife weekend with hidden gem courses and even a laid-back nine-hole vibe.

Expect course picks, travel timing, pricing perspective, and food/experience recommendations to help you book the right trip.