Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return blocked following LIV Golf exit

Brooks Koepka will not be eligible to return to the PGA Tour until August 2026 at the very earliest, despite officially walking away from LIV Golf this week. 

The five-time major champion initially quit the PGA Tour to join the Saudi Arabian-backed league in 2022, becoming one of LIV’s earliest and most high-profile defectors. 

But fast forward to 23 December 2025, and Koepka’s representatives confirmed he has now “amicably and mutually” agreed to step away from LIV Golf after four seasons and five tournament victories.

The primary reason for Koepka’s decision, according to his team, is family.

The 35-year-old announced the news on Tuesday afternoon in a statement released by his representatives.

It read: "Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf. He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan (governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, (LIV CEO) Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates and the fans.

"Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home."

The statement added: "Brooks will continue to be a huge supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success. Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead.”

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil echoed those sentiments.

O'Neil said: “Brooks is prioritising the needs of his family and staying closer to home. We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course."

PGA Tour door not open — yet

Almost immediately, speculation began to swirl around a potential return to the PGA Tour. 

That chatter intensified after the PGA Tour issued something of a baffling statement shortly after Koepka’s LIV departure became public.

Posted to social media less than an hour before the news broke, the statement described Koepka as a “highly accomplished professional” and added: “The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness.”

However, PGA Tour regulations remain a major obstacle for Koepka and anyone else wishing to make a swift return to their former base. 

Under rules introduced at the start of the 2022–23 season, any player who has competed in an unauthorised tournament is barred from playing in PGA Tour-sanctioned events for one year. 

An unauthorised tournament is defined in the player handbook as “any golf event for which the commissioner has denied or has indicated he would deny all conflicting event releases and/or media releases or not eligible for releases because it is to be held in North America.”

As things stand, that rule means Koepka will not be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour until August 2026 — one full year after his final LIV Golf appearance.

Koepka will need to reapply for his PGA Tour membership if he wishes to return to the circuit in 2027 — and that process will take time. 

Koepka's major status secure

Koepka might not be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour in 2026, but he does remain eligible for all four majors. 

He is exempt for the PGA Championship for the rest of his golf career, and he can play at The Masters, US Open and The Open through 2028. 

Koepka, a former World No.1, currently ranks 244th in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). 

Could the PGA Tour bend the rules?

There of course is that possibility. 

Debate is already underway on social media whether the PGA Tour might soften its stance on disciplinary action given Koepka’s superstar status.

But many critics consider unless you are Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy, then nobody is bigger than the rulebook. 

PGA Tour player Michael Kim has questioned how the situation will be handled, suggesting Koepka’s standing in the game could ease his path back.

Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee, however, believes the opposite — arguing the Tour may look to make an example of defectors by maintaining a hard-line approach. He does though think a door will be left open for players to return. 

Chamblee has also ripped into LIV Golf, again. 

Koepka to play on DP World Tour in 2026?

Koepka is not currently a member of the DP World Tour and has missed the deadline for applying for membership for the 2026 season.

However, he will be able to ask for special dispensation and - by virtue of being an honorary lifetime member as a major champion - he could be granted this.

Koepka played in a handful of DP World Tour events at the back end of the 2025 season, and it's deemed by many analysts that the American's route onto the DP World Tour will prove a simple one should he wish to compete on the former European Tour. 

It should be noted Koepka first started his pro career on the Challenge Tour before stepping up on to the European Tour and then the PGA Tour. 

More details are expected to be confirmed soon by the DP World Tour in regards Koepka competing on the circuit in 2026. 

For now though, Koepka is not either a LIV or PGA Tour player. 

Verdict on Koepka's 2026 season

Several sources have indiciated to GolfMagic that Koepka is likely to play in a few DP World Tour events while he can and compete in all four majors in 2026 —  while spending the rest of his season with wife Jena and their young boy Crew. 

Jena sadly revealed earlier this year that she suffered a miscarriage. 

Koepka won five times on LIV Golf and he has nine PGA Tour victories to his name, including five majors.

GolfMagic will have more details on Koepka's future in the pro game once it becomes available. 

What do you make of Koepka's decision to quit LIV Golf? 

Did you see it coming?

Share your thoughts below or head over to the GolfMagic social media channels.