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The earliest Brooks Koepka could return to the PGA Tour as LIV exit announced

Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
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LIV Golf have just announced that Brooks Koepka will not be playing on the tour in the 2026 season.

Koepka was rumored to be interested in a departure from the league following a recent run of poor performances.

The 35-year-old did not look happy for much of the last two years, and this decision had ultimately proved that to be true.

Despite being under contract for 2026, he has now made the controversial decision to part ways with LIV Golf.

Fans will now be wondering whether that means he will return to the PGA Tour sooner rather than later. 

The Golfing Gazette assesses the earliest opportunity for Koepka to rejoin the tour based on previous situations.

Is this the end of LIV Golf?

Brooks Koepka hits a tee shot during the Open de France
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

When Brooks Koepka could return to the PGA Tour

Brooks Koepka will not participate in any PGA Tour events next year if the Tour sticks with its existing rules.

Players currently receive a one-year suspension from the Tour after leaving LIV Golf, which would rule Koepka out until the 2027 season.

Laurie Canter became the first former LIV Golfer to earn a full-time PGA Tour card after serving his year-long suspension last month, before deciding to rejoin LIV.

The PGA Tour have addressed Koepka’s departure in a public announcement, but there is no indication that he plans to return.

If the five-time major champion would like to come back, some fans will undoubtedly call for the Tour to bend their rules for him in 2026.

Brooks Koepka reacts to winning the 2023 PGA Championship
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Brooks Koepka’s representatives release statement

Brooks Koepka has not posted anything on his social media channels, but his representatives made a statement on the LIV Golf website.

Koepka’s team thanked LIV Golf’s financial backer, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and CEO, Scott O’Neil, before citing family reasons as the primary reason for his exit.

“Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf,” the statement read. “He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans.

Apart from Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, which three players can the PGA Tour simply not afford to lose to LIV?

Scottie Scheffler looks on during a practice round prior to The Open Championship / Rory McIlroy laughs during the Genesis Scottish Open 2025
Split image of Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts as he practices on the driving range on day four of the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club, left, and Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks on during a practice round prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portru…

“Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home.

“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.”