Former PGA Tour winner questions Brooks Koepka's inclusion in signature events

Former PGA Tour winner Smylie Kaufman is unsure whether Brooks Koepka should be allowed to play in this year's signature events. 

Koepka, 36, quit LIV Golf on 23 December and has reportedly re-applied for his membership. 

The established North American circuit is yet to divulge where and when Koepka would be allowed to tee up again following his four-year spell with the breakaway tour. 

ESPN reported last week that the final decision will rest with new chief executive Brian Rolapp after taking input from the Tour's policy board that includes Tiger Woods. 

Former player turned golf commentator and analyst Kaufman, 34, told the most recent edition of his podcast that several big names will be closely monitoring the situation as what happens will set a precedent. 

But he's not sure if Koepka should be immediately allowed to participate in the PGA Tour's bumper prize purse, limited field, signature events this year. 

And he does not want Koepka taking someone else's spot.

"I question whether Brooks Koepka should be allowed to get into signature events," he said.  

"Although that's where I think the PGA Tour, the networks would want to see him as playing against the best in the world. Although I don't see that situation unfolding.

"I could see him maybe getting into open events, open field events. 

"How would you be able to handle that? Do you expand the field by one spot so that one guy doesn't get in based off Brooks Koepka being allowed back? 

"There's a bunch of different ways to look at it. I myself hope that he does tee it up this season, but I definitely don't want him to be taking a spot away from a PGA Tour player."

Kaufman's comments echo those of fellow member Michael Kim. 

Kim said Koepka's expected return is likely to divide opinion amongst the membership. 

For his part, Koepka is yet to comment. 

Should his return to the PGA Tour be delayed then there is every chance he could play on the DP World Tour to stay sharp for the major championships. 

Koepka is not listed in the field for the first of five Rolex Series events in two weeks' time in Dubai, although there are three sponsor invitations remaining. 

One man who would be happy to compete against Koepka again on the PGA Tour is Rory McIlroy. 

McIlroy said he believes LIV players have "paid their consequences" as a result from their switches to LIV. 

"They've made the money but they've paid their consequences in terms of their reputation and some of the things they have lost by going over there," he told The Overlap podcast.

"If it made the overall tour stronger to have Bryson back and whoever else I would be ok with it but I recognise not everyone is in my position - it would be up to the collective group of PGA Tour members to make that decision.

"The thing it [LIV] has done is elevated the majors and the Ryder Cup because only four or five times a year you see all the best players playing together.

"For golf to be relevant I think we need the best players together more often than that."

McIlroy admitted the situation was legally tricky. 

His comments drew sharp criticism from Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee, who said he "couldn't disagree more" with the Masters champion.