The emergence of the LIV Golf had divided the golfing world into two storylines: the legacy and the money. Despite the merger talks and some players, like Brooks Koepka, exiting the PIF-backer circuit, the question continues to dwell, as he is currently on suspension. However, if someone were to ask the PGA pros, they already have a verdict in mind.

“Let’s put it to a vote. Every member likes the Roman coliseum battles. I vote Yes, he can come back and play,” Harry Higgs shared his take, as he thinks the current rules are too slow for the modern game. Interestingly, he had earlier mentioned that LIV had taken all the “villains” and “a**holes” away.

Brooks Koepka joined the LIV Golf in 2022 and was earning a handsome salary from the PIF-backed circuit. However, due to his slumping performances and personal reasons, he voided the contract that would have originally completed in 2026.

Moreover, the PGA Tour’s rule that any golfer who has played in an unauthorized event will face a 1-year ban from the date of their playing will also apply to Koepka, rendering him suspended until the next year. By this rule, Koepka can reapply for PGA Tour membership after August 15, 2026, as he last played in LIV Golf’s Indianapolis event from August 15 to 17, 2025.

“ZERO insider knowledge, but my two cents: -PGA Tour puts out a super nothing statement lol. Obviously, a statement to keep all options open. I assume with LIV letting Brooks go, there’s an understanding that he doesn’t play anywhere in 26 except probably the majors,” Michael S. Kim shared his two cents on X.

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Kim also added, “Brooks is one of the well-liked guys who 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 of years. – Again, I have no intimate knowledge. Just a big guess.”

Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win has made him eligible for all the majors through 2028. The fans will surely see him play at the big stage, something that he also loves, as he heavily judges his season by how he has played there. While the US-based circuit hasn’t mentioned anything about his return, they did release a statement:

“Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success. The PGA TOUR continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging, and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness,” the latest tweet by the PGA Tour read.

However, not everyone is willing to welcome Koepka with open arms.

Brandel Chamblee, known for his sharp criticism of LIV, also shared, “My guess is those who have a path back will seek it with their hat in their hands, trying to hide the money in their pockets. The PGA Tour should make it difficult but doable for these players for the betterment of the PGA Tour and to the detriment of the LIV Tour.”

The Tour has big changes coming for 2027 and onwards, like a less hectic schedule with the aim to make it far better than what it has now for everyone involved. This could make Koepka’s return easier.

After his exit, his former teammates have also shared their thoughts.

LIV Golfers react to Koepka’s big step

Graeme McDowell, who was one of the first few players to join the rebel league back in late 2022 and played alongside Koepka for three years, also wrote, “Nothing but love and gratitude to @BKoepka for the opportunities he has given me the last couple of seasons on @SmashGC. One of the best players I have seen play this great sport.”

The new leader of Smash GC, Talor Gooch, who has won four times on LIV, also shared his gratitude towards Koepka.

“I want to start by thanking Brooks. He is one of the greatest competitors in the game, and I have learned so much from him while being his teammate on Smash GC. He’s a friend and teammate, and I have great respect for his decision. I wish him, Jena, and their family all the best,” Gooch posted on Instagram.

The speculation about the move has been in the news since March this year, when Fred Couples revealed Koepka’s LIV Golf future. The official statements show gratitude from both sides, as all the rumors came to an end.

“Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment,” Koepka’s representatives shared, while expressing thanks to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and his teammates.

At the same time, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil called the breakup amicable and mutual following the 2025 season finish and thanked him for his significant impact and wished him success off the course.

Between 2018 and 2020, Koepka was the undisputed king, winning four major trophies and spending 47 total weeks as the number one golfer. Then, in 2022, he shocked the world by signing a massive $100 million-plus contract with players like Phil Mickelson and Dustin  Johnson to help lead the new rebel league. Brooks became the face of Smash GC and won the 2023 PGA Championship, but then his game took a downward turn.

In the most recent years, he hit rock bottom with a single top-25 in eight major starts in the last two years. And the struggle goes beyond the course when his wife, Jena Sims, shared that they lost their baby at sixteen weeks in October. So, even if Koepka doesn’t return to the greens, he can spend some time with his family and take a much-needed rest.