Since he left LIV Golf on December 23, 2025, speculations about Brooks Koepka‘s next step made the rounds. It took him just 16 days to give a hint to the world as his wish came to light: a PGA Tour membership.

According to ESPN, Brooks Koepka has formally applied for reinstatement to the PGA Tour this Friday.

Sources told ESPN that once Koepka reapplies for membership, the tour will start its reinstatement and disciplinary process, which will include “thoughtful input from the board, including player directors.” However, the American circuit’s rule stands in his way.

The current rules specify that the mandate is a one-year suspension from a player’s last LIV event. As Koepka’s final appearance at any LIV came in August 2025, his earliest eligibility window is August 2026. The PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, though, is tasked with assisting Brian Rolapp in deciding Koepka’s fate. If it decides otherwise, the timeline of the return could change.

It wasn’t immediately clear when Koepka would apply for reinstatement, and many foresaw that he would not, at least not right away. The thought was supported by the fact that he left LIV Golf so he could stay with his wife, Jena Sims, and son, Crew. LIV Golf has a schedule covering multiple international courses, and after Sims announced her miscarriage at 16 weeks in October 2025, Koepka wanted more time with them.

On the other hand, the PGA Tour’s schedule is primarily based in the US, and this would allow him to stay closer to home. The thrill of competing on the PGA Tour and easy entry to the majors could also be something he might be looking forward to as well.

The last PGA Tour event Koepka played in before leaving for LIV in 2022 was the Valspar Championship in mid-March, where he finished 12th. Since then, he’s collected five LIV wins, his fifth major at the PGA Championship in 2023, to become the first active LIV golfer to win a major. That win also allows Koepka to appear in all four majors in 2026.

He would also be able to accept sponsor exemptions to play in DP World Tour events. He played four events on that circuit in 2025. The Florida resident also had a spot in the 2023 Ryder Cup. However, since he didn’t receive any ranking points for participating in the LIV Golf events, Koepka has fallen to No. 244 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Jon Rahm saw this coming and predicted the move. “I think he [Brooks Koepka] would. I think he might need to take some time, but I think he would,” the Spaniard said on the SubPar Podcast.

But eligibility and a nod don’t guarantee a welcoming entry. The community has had a lot to say since he voided his LIV Golf agreement.

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The Tug-of-War over Brooks Koepka’s return

Brandel Chamblee stands as the loudest voice against a free pass or a simple return for the Florida star. He argues that letting Brooks Koepka back without any penalty destroys the fair meritocracy of the Tour. To him, the Tour relies on loyalty and commitment just as much as pure talent.

“Allowing Koepka to return with no consequence would undermine the foundations of the Tour,” Chamblee wrote.

Chamblee believes LIV fractured the game, hurt sponsorships, and forced the Tour into a legal war. To fix this, he suggests that Koepka should prove his worth through the Korn Ferry Tour or Monday qualifiers.

On the other hand, Rory McIlroy has completely changed his tune recently. McIlroy also said that it would be good, if not great, for everyone if the five-time major champion is back on the Tour. Before his Boston Common victory in TGL, he even extended a proposal to the former LIV golfer to play in TGL.

The Northern Irishman also took a sharp pivot in his own personal views on the returns of the defectors. He thinks the time away from legacy events and world ranking points is enough punishment, so he has no issue if someone joins the Tour from the rebel league.

How things pivot for Brooks Koepka isn’t clear as of now. Do you think Brooks Koepka should be allowed to play on the PGA Tour without any penalty?