In December, rumors began to circulate that Brooks Koepka could play on the DP World Tour in 2026 after his exit from LIV Golf.
Koepka left LIV in December, after it was officially announced that the American and the Saudi-backed golf league agreed a termination of his contract.
And in the immediate aftermath of that announcement, Koepka was tipped to join the DP World Tour, with claims suggesting that he will not be allowed to return to the PGA Tour until 2027 at the earliest.
Having the five-time major winner compete on their circuit would surely be a major boost for the DP World Tour.
Is this the end of LIV Golf?
He is very much in limbo right now, with no guaranteed place to play in 2026.
Koepka is, of course, exempt for all of the major championships until 2028. So he has plenty of time to sort out a potential PGA Tour return.
However, he might have to take one step back in order to take two forward.
The DP World Tour’s plan in the wake of Brooks Koepka’s LIV exit
As mentioned earlier, Koepka has been tipped to play on the DP World Tour during the 2026 season.
As the 35-year-old was not a DP World Tour member when he joined LIV Golf, he has no outstanding fees to pay.
However, would the DP World Tour be prepared to welcome the American with open arms?
According to Bunkered journalist Josh Lees, the DP World Tour are open to allowing Koepka to make a ‘late application’ for membership in 2026.
Lees wrote on X: “In regard to Koepka potentially becoming a member later in the year, the DP World Tour has confirmed that late applications for membership can be considered ‘in exceptional circumstances’.“
Considering the fact that Koepka has won five major championships, he would surely qualify for the ‘exceptional circumstances’ criteria!
DP World Tour the perfect place for Brooks Koepka to play in 2026
The 35-year-old playing on the DP World Tour in 2026 before hopefully returning to the PGA Tour in 2027 would make perfect sense for all parties concerned.
Koepka would significantly help the DP World Tour’s brand. His name alone would help them sell more tickets and potentially demand more money from sponsors as well.
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Meanwhile, he would be able to keep his game in tip-top condition, not only ahead of the majors this year but also ahead of a potential return to the PGA Tour in 12 months’ time.
Nothing has been decided yet regarding Koepka’s future.
However, it’s clear to see that a route back into the competitive scene away from LIV Golf could well be possible for Koepka in 2026.
In a perfect world, he’ll get a win or two under his belt on the DP World Tour as well.
Now that really would be a big confidence boost for him.
