And just like that, Brooks Koepka has reportedly applied for reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership. ESPN was first to report the news.
A few weeks after announcing he wouldn’t be playing out the final year of his LIV contract, Koepka is apparently looking for a path back to the Tour. The 35-year-old had signed a four-year deal with LIV back in 2022.
In his statement back on Dec. 23, Koepka cited family reasons for not continuing with LIV. Koepka’s wife, Jena, announced on social media in October that she suffered a miscarriage.
“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.
So when will we see Koepka back on the Tour?
The answer to this question is still unknown.
Koepka didn’t renew his membership before the 2022-2023 Tour season. ESPN reported that the Tour will now start its reinstatement and disciplinary process, which will include “thoughtful input from the board, including player-directors.”
Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay and Adam Scott are among those in leadership roles who will be involved in the decision-making process.
Koepka is eligible for all four majors this year on the strength of his 2023 PGA Championship victory. He could also accept sponsor invites into DP World Tour events (he played in four of those tournaments this past year).
In terms of actual PGA Tour events, it is likely he will have to sit out some period of time—perhaps returning after the FedEx Cup concludes in August.
There is a possibility the Tour wants Koepka back sooner. Our writer, Tyler Duke, argued for that in his column earlier today.
What does this mean for Koepka?
Koepka’s game has been abysmal no matter what stats you want to use.
He’s fallen to No. 160 in Data Golf and No. 244 in the Official World Golf Ranking. He’s been a non-factor in majors since that PGA Championship victory nearly three years ago, failing to record a single top-10 finish.
Returning to the Tour—where his future status would not be guaranteed—could provide something of a competitive spark for Koepka.
It’s not farfetched to think the five-time major champion was bored with LIV and now wants to go up against stiffer (and more motivated) competition.
Will have to wait and see what happens here, but this could be a huge breakthrough for the Tour.
If Koepka leaves and has a relatively easy path back, more LIV players could follow.
When will we see Koepka back on Tour? Let me know below in the comments.
Top Photo Caption: Koepka could be on his way back to the PGA Tour. (GETTY IMAGES/Stuart Franklin)
Sean
5 months ago
The reason to dislike LIV is because it’s rubbish, cheesy and confected nonsense.
Anyone claiming they “can’t support sportwashing by Saudi Arabia” ought to look closer to home and take a look in the mirror, your wardrobe or your cars petrol tank