Golf’s biggest fight just took a huge turn that nobody saw coming. The PGA Tour finally opened its heavy doors for Brooks Koepka via the Returning Member Program. He will start playing on the PGA Tour at Torrey Pines on January 29, and the clock is now ticking loudly for other big names like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith. Being major winners from 2022 to 2025, they have to make a call by February 2nd, and Smith has made his.

“To be honest, you know, I decided to come out here and spend more time at home, and I’m not giving that away. So, I’ll be on LIV for the years to come,” Smith said, confirming that he will play for Ripper GC for years to come.

Cameron Smith was the world number two back when he joined the rival league for a deal worth about $150 million, after his wins at the 2022 Open Championship at St. Andrews and the 2022 PLAYERS Championship. His contract runs beyond 2026, and he has won 2 individual events in his 4 years with LIV Golf. He is now 207th in OWGR, making it harder for him to play in majors when his exemption will run out. Although, LIV format changed to 72 holes and larger fields to chase legitimacy for the 2026 season, ongoing world ranking points remained uncertain.

Cameron Smith’s loyalty to LIV Golf also comes at a financially uncertain time. The Saudi league lost over $461 million during the last fiscal year alone. Total losses have now grown to over $1 billion. These massive financial holes, along with LIV’s declining television audience, make this decision more crucial.

Analysis had also argued earlier that Koepka’s departure could probably be a leak in the dam and could cause a domino effect. The 5x major winner was one of the biggest names on LIV. His going there also gave LIV its legitimacy, so his intentional exit also takes away that legitimacy, pointing to a bigger issue.

Brian Rolapp also warned that this February 2nd return window would close forever and doesn’t guarantee any return after. Not only Smith, but also DeChambeau and Rahm have also made up their minds regarding their future with LIV.

“I’m contracted through 2026, so I’m excited about this year,” said Bryson DeChambeau, committing to LIV for the upcoming season.

“I’m not planning on going anywhere,” Rahm told the media, confirming his loyalty to LIV. He is one of the last big names who left the PGA Tour.

When LIV Golf’s statement about the Returning Member Program came to light, fans predicted that LIV would soon cease to exist. One might feel like Smith is essentially burning his only lifeboat while standing on a ship that has many leaks. But the bridge back to the old home comes with a very heavy price tag.

Cameron Smith may have weighed the high cost of the PGA Tour return

Players who choose to return must face some very harsh financial penalties. The PGA Tour offered a narrow, elite-only reentry plan that punished returning stars financially and competitively. Brooks Koepka has already accepted and agreed to pay a five-million-dollar fine to return to the PGA Tour. His loss comes to nearly eighty-five million dollars in equity. He cannot earn any bonus money from the FedEx Cup for 2026.

“It’s a harsh punishment financially,” Koepka told the Associated Press. “I understand exactly why the Tour did that—it’s meant to hurt; it does hurt, but I understand. It’s not supposed to be an easy path.”

Smith holds no grudge about Koepka leaving the circuit. Rather, he felt a bit sad when he heard about his friend’s departure.

“Is it a shame to have him go? Absolutely, he’s a star of the game,” Smith said. But he still feels very confident about LIV and believes that 2026 will bring the strongest field the league has seen. And his loyalty to the Ripper GC keeps him from feeling any real temptation to return to the PGA Tour.