Heading into the 2026 season, there is plenty of interest in seeing what lies ahead for Brooks Koepka after the five-time major champion left LIV Golf.
Brooks Koepka became the first marquee name to quit LIV Golf in December. Previously, it was the PGA Tour who saw a number of top players make the jump to the breakaway league.
But after weeks of speculation, it was announced that Koepka had reached an agreement with LIV to allow him to leave the league one year before his contract expired.
Many are now waiting to see what the PGA Tour‘s next move will be.
What Charles Barkley has said about Brooks Koepka making an immediate return to the PGA Tour
Of course, it will be tempting for Brian Rolapp to change the rules to ensure that Koepka can make an immediate return to the PGA Tour. He is already one of the most successful players of all time.
But that is a gamble. Those who have previously left LIV have had to deal with sanctions that have prevented them seeking a spot on the PGA Tour straight away.
Those at Ponte Vedra will also be wary of sending a message to their own players that they can go to LIV and come back swiftly if they have enough of a profile.
With that, many think Koepka needs to serve some sort of penalty. And speaking on The Favourite Chamblee, Brandel Chamblee shared what NBA legend and avid golfer Charles Barkley told him about Koepka coming straight back to the PGA Tour.
“He wanted to know about the tour and LIV. One of the things he asked us the other day on the range was about Brooks Koepka coming back,” he said.
“I said he can’t come back with no consequence. And Barkley agreed. He absolutely agreed. He was like, ‘yeah, you can’t set that precedent’. So he’s so clued in to the game of golf. Obviously, he is with every sport. He is very much a lover of the game.”
Where Brooks Koepka ranks for all-time major wins in the men’s game
Koepka had a hugely disappointing 2025 season on LIV. In truth, he has never been a player that regularly finds his best form at regular events throughout the season.
He actually has more major wins than he does regular PGA Tour victories. In fact, just 12 players have won more majors than the 35-year-old.
Of those ahead of him, only Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, and Phil Mickelson have won a major title since Koepka was born in 1990.
So if there is a player to change the rules for, it is surely Koepka.