Michael Kim predicts Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour future after shock LIV Golf exit

Michael Kim believes Brooks Koepka could face “less difficulty coming back than others” if he seeks a return to the PGA Tour, after the five-time major champion stunned the golf world by quitting LIV Golf.

Kim, 32, shared his reaction on X / Twitter just moments after news broke that Koepka had ended his spell with the Saudi-backed league, despite still having one year remaining on a contract reportedly worth around $125m.

Koepka, 35, was one of LIV Golf’s most high-profile signings when he defected from the PGA Tour in the summer of 2022. 

• PGA Tour’s Koepka statement leaves golf fans utterly baffled

Over four seasons, he won five times on the league and served as captain of Smash GC. 

Koepka amassed just shy of a whopping $45m in on-course earnings in 48 events on LIV Golf. 

But his abrupt exit, confirmed just before Christmas 2025, has sent shockwaves through the men’s professional game.

The decision is understood to be driven by family considerations. 

Koepka and his wife Jena, who share a two-year-old son, Crew, endured a deeply difficult year in 2025 following a miscarriage, something Jena recently spoke about publicly on Instagram.

Will Koepka return to the PGA Tour?

Koepka’s departure immediately raises a major question: could he return to the PGA Tour — and if so, how soon?

Having resigned his PGA Tour membership and been suspended due to his LIV involvement, Koepka currently falls into a regulatory grey area. 

Under existing PGA Tour rules, non-members who have played LIV Golf events face a minimum 12-month suspension, though it remains unclear whether Koepka’s lengthy tenure with LIV would lead to a longer sanction.

Former World No.1 Koepka is a nine-time winner on the PGA Tour. 

A PGA Tour representative has offered no further details on when we might see Koepka return to the PGA Tour.

But the PGA Tour has issued a statement on social media wishing Brooks and his family the best.

"Brooks Koepka is a hugly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success," read a statement from the PGA Tour.

"The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness."

Kim, a one-time PGA Tour winner who recently edged Koepka at the Open de France on the DP World Tour, suggested Koepka’s stature within the game — and recent changes at the top of the PGA Tour — could work heavily in his favour.

“ZERO insider knowledge but my two cents: PGA Tour puts out a super nothing statement lol. Obviously a statement to keep all options open,” Kim wrote on X / Twitter. 

“I assume with LIV letting Brooks go, there’s an understanding that he doesn’t play anywhere in 26 except prob the majors.

“Brooks is one of the well liked guys that went to LIV. I’m going to guess that he’s going to have less difficulty coming back than others especially with Brian Rolapp in charge. 

“Brooks is a star and an important figure in golf. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Brooks playing a full tour schedule along with the big changes coming in a couple yrs.

“Again, I have no intimate knowledge. Just a big guess.”

Koepka has not spoken publicly since the news broke, but his representatives released a statement confirming his exit from LIV Golf.

“Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf,” read a statement from Koepka's team. 

“He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O'Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans.

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

“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 confirmed the split was amicable.

“We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season,” wrote O’Neil.

“Brooks is prioritizing 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.”

Koepka captained Smash GC during his time on LIV, alongside Talor Gooch, Graeme McDowell and Jason Kokrak. 

LIV Golf has confirmed Gooch will assume the captaincy in 2026, with the final roster spot yet to be filled ahead of the new season opener in Riyadh in early February.

While Koepka played a handful of DP World Tour events at the end of 2025, his competitive schedule for 2026 remains unclear. 

What is certain is that he will not be playing full-time on either LIV Golf or the PGA Tour in the immediate future.

Koepka will, however, remain a presence at the sport’s biggest events. Koepka holds lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship and is eligible for The Masters, US Open and The Open Championship through 2028 due to his five major titles.

For now, golf is left absorbing one of the most dramatic player exits of the modern era — and waiting to see whether one of its biggest stars is heading for an extraordinary PGA Tour comeback.

I think many of us would like to see a fully-charged Koepka regularly competing again on the PGA Tour against Scheffler and McIlroy, even if we do have to wait until 2027...