Brooks Koepka applies for PGA Tour reinstatement after exiting LIV Golf, per report

Brooks Koepka has filed to have his PGA Tour membership reinstated, according to multiple reports, less than a month after left LIV Golf despite one year remaining on his contract with the rival league.

When the five-time major champion parted ways with LIV Golf on December 23, 2025, it was expected that he would eventually try to join the PGA Tour. To do this, Kopeka must ensure he has player status as he has been inactive since the 2021-22 season. However, as a recent major winner, he may not need to go through the lower qualifying ranks.

The reinstatement process is in question because the PGA Tour has the right to take disciplinary action or demand restitution before golfers like Koepka can compete in tournaments again. The PGA Tour currently imposes a one-year suspension for any golfer who participates in unauthorized events. LIV Golf tournaments fall into this category.

“Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional and we wish him and his family continued success,” the PGA Tour said in a statement at the time of Koepka’s retirement from LIV Golf. “The PGA Tour continues to provide the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment for top professional golfers to pursue excellence.

During his tenure at LIV Golf, Koepka has accumulated five tour victories and won the 2023 PGA Championship. As such, he has a five-year exemption for all four major championships.

At the time of his departure from LIV Golf, there was speculation that Koepka might spend 2026 with his family before joining the PGA Tour in 2027. His representatives appeared to state something to that effect last month.

“Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he believes now is the right time to spend more time at home,” Koepka’s management team said in a statement. “Brooks will continue to be a great supporter of LIV Golf and wishes continued success to the league and its players. Brooks remains passionate about golf and will keep fans informed of what to expect.”

While PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp may try to convince the PGA Tour board to reverse some of its policies and open its arms to Koepka’s return, many on the PGA Tour have already expressed ill will toward players who left the league and broke the sport, believing LIV Golf offered greener pastures.

Koepka won nine times on the PGA Tour as a member from 2014 to 2022. During that time, he rose to No. 1 in the world, won four majors, and won tournaments like the WM Phoenix Open and the St. Jude Championship. In 2018, Koepka was named PGA Tour Player of the Year, an award voted on by his peers.