PGA Tour pro: Some players will object to Brooks Koepka's return

PGA Tour golfer Michael Kim has revealed Brooks Koepka's expected return will likely cause a ripple amongst the membership. 

Koepka became the first major champion to quit LIV Golf on 23 December, ending his reported $100m contract 12 months early. 

There was intense speculation as to whether the American five-time major champion would be allowed to return to the PGA Tour in 2026. 

The PGA Tour released a cryptic statement 20 minutes after Koepka's departure from the PIF-backed league was confirmed. 

They wished Koepka well adding that the PGA Tour "continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness". 

It was understood Koepka would predominantly ply his trade on the DP World Tour alongside the major championships this year until he's given the green light to tee up on the PGA Tour again. 

But ESPN reported on Friday that the 36-year-old has reapplied for his membership and could be back on the PGA Tour very soon. 

ESPN further reported the final decision will be made by new chief executive, Brian Rolapp, although Tiger Woods and the policy board will also give input. 

Kim believes there may be some players on the Tour who will feel slightly disgruntled if Koepka were able to return without any penalties. 

He told Mayo Media Network "There's definitely going to be guys that say no, like, 'Why did he get the big check and get to come back? I would have gone to LIV Q School and come back if that was okay.'

"So, there's definitely going to be some talk about it."

For his part, Kim didn't appear to object to the prospect of Koepka returning:

Several high-profile players have already offered their opinions on the Koepka situation. 

Rory McIlroy told The Overlap at the turn of the year that players like Koepka have "paid their consequences" as a result of their switch to LIV. 

The Masters champion was referencing the damages to their reputations, as well as the fact they have been locked out of the world ranking system. 

Kim said he hasn't spoken to McIlroy. 

"I feel like Rory's actually been pretty, like, he's, I mean, I guess in a sense he's technically turned down the most money by not going to LIV," he said. 

"But he's almost been in favour of, let's just get everyone back together. 

"I've never talked to Rory about it, but it seems like he’s been more open to it than some of the others who turned out much less, or like that wasn’t even an option for them."

Koepka's last LIV Golf tournament was in August 2025. 

He is exempt into all four major this year as a result of his victory at the PGA Championship in 2023. 

LIV Golf will begin their fourth full season next month in Riyadh. 

There remains several spots in team rosters that need filling before the season begins. 

England's Laurie Canter and France's Victor Perez are the only additions this winter. 

Although The Times of London have reported Belgium's Thomas Detry and Australia's Elvis Smylie will join them. 

Rising PGA Tour star Akshay Bhatia is reported to have rejected a "lucrative" offer to join Phil Mickelson's team. 

It followed speculation the world No. 29, Max Greyserman, was joining Bubba Watson's team.

The truth of the matter is that LIV Golf have failed to sign a player of genuine significance since Jon Rahm joined in December 2023. 

Rahm is understood to have signed a contract taking him through to the end of the 2028 season.