Brooks Koepka has taken the first step to return to the PGA Tour. According to ESPN, the five-time major winner has already submitted his formal application for readmission to the US circuit. Additionally, the American’s agent, Blake Smith, has also confirmed to Sports Illustrated that the five-time major winner has reapplied for his PGA Tour membership.
Less than twenty days after parting ways with LIV Golf, with which he still had a year left on his contract, it seems Koepka is clear about where he wants to play again. The separation occurred amicably, with the golfer citing personal reasons, a decision that was publicly supported by LIV Golf.
Once the application is submitted, the PGA Tour will initiate its readmission and disciplinary evaluation process. This procedure will include input from the circuit’s Policy Board, among whose player directors is Tiger Woods, as well as from the Future Competition Committee, a body in which Woods, Patrick Cantlay, and Adam Scott also participate, among others.
For now, it is unclear whether Koepka will face any sanctions for leaving the PGA Tour to compete in LIV Golf, whose tournaments are still considered “unauthorized.” The American circuit already opened its doors to him as soon as he announced his departure from LIV, it remains to be seen how this will be formalised and if there are any penalties involved. Rory himself a few weeks ago was in favour of an ‘amnesty’. It is a key moment for the PGA Tour, and many eyes are on the decision that will be made.
Meanwhile, it should be remembered that Brooks became the first active player on the Saudi circuit to win a Major (PGA Championship 2023) and that victory grants him automatic exemption to compete in the four Majors until 2028. Additionally, Koepka can accept sponsor invitations to play on the DP World Tour, a circuit in which he already played four tournaments during the last season.
