According to ESPN, Brooks Keopka applied for reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership this Friday, January 9th.
The application follows Koepka’s decision to to leave LIV Golf back on December 23, despite having another year left on his contract. His request places the PGA Tour in a potentially precedent-setting position as it considers how to handle the return of a high-profile LIV Golfer.
Following Koepka’s application, the PGA Tour will begin its formal review process, which may include consideration of disciplinary action. The timeline for a decision remains unclear.
Brooks Koepka Seeks Reinstatement of PGA Tour Card
Koepka, a five-time major champion, did not renew his PGA Tour membership ahead of the 2022–23 season and last competed on the Tour on March 22, 2022.
At the time of his departure from LIV, CEO Scott O’Neil cited family considerations as a driving factor.
“Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home,” O’Neil said in a statement. “We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course.”
Ahead of the announcement, Koepka and his wife, Jena, revealed they had suffered a miscarriage at 16 weeks.
“Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home,” Koepka’s management team said in a statement. “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.”
What Other Golfers Have to Say
Reaction to Koepka’s potential return has been mixed across the golf world.
Rory McIlroy has been supportive of LIV players rejoining the PGA Tour. Speaking at a recent TGL event, McIlroy addressed Koepka’s situation.
“I would say that’s up to people that are more powerful and more important than me.” McIlroy said. “But I am one of the founders [of TGL]. I would love him to play. If there’s space on a team for Brooks to come and play, it only makes what we’re trying to do stronger.”
McIlroy added, “He’s a five-time major champion. He’s been one of the best players of our generation. If he decides it’s something that he wants to do, I’m sure we’ll find a way to include him.”
Not everyone shares that view.
Brandel Chamblee strongly disageed while speaking on The Favorite Chamblee podcast.
“I couldn’t disagree more with what Rory said,” Chamblee said. “I couldn’t disagree more with those who think that Brooks should be able to come back without some consequence.”
He went on to say, “I think the PGA Tour needs to be careful about setting a precedent here. To allow Brooks to come back with no consequence I think would undermine the meritocratic foundations that are the one thing that makes the PGA Tour legitimate.”
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau offered a take in-between the two in a recent interview with Flushing It,
“I don’t know what they should allow or not. If they’re going to be doing it by the book, they should do it by the book and not give any special exemption. But if there’s a special exemption, it definitely opens the doors for others to do the same, which, you know, it’s a slippery slope for sure.”
What Other Golfers Have to Say As Brooks Koepka Seeks Reinstatement to PGA Tour