Brooks Koepka’s LIV exit has stirred up all kinds of conversations in the golf world. But the most intriguing of them all is whether he would return to the PGA Tour. And if he does, what should the path look like? Should he face any consequences? Many professional golfers have weighed in on the discussions with their inputs, including Rory McIlroy. However, Brandel Chamblee is in complete disagreement with the Northern Irishman.

“So I couldn’t disagree more with what Rory said… “I couldn’t disagree more with those who think that Brooks should be able to come back without some consequence…,” Brandel Chamblee said, as reported by NUCLR GOLF.

“To allow Brooks to come back with no consequence would undermine the meritocratic foundations that are the one thing that makes the PGA Tour legitimate…”

The 5x major champion was one of the most vocal critics of LIV Golf. However, time has changed his view. He now has a forgiving stance and says that Brooks Koepka should be allowed to come back to the PGA Tour without any consequences.

After his first game of the ongoing TGL, The Palm Beach Post asked Rory McIlroy about his views on Koepka’s return. He said that if the ex-LIV golfer wants to return, it would make complete sense to have him on the PGA Tour as soon as possible. The 2025 Masters champion’s primary view is that Koepka has done a lot for the game of golf. He is a 5x major champion and 9x PGA Tour winner, and should be back on the tour.

But for Chamblee, allowing an unconditional return risks weakening the PGA Tour’s merit-based structure. He warns that such a comeback for elite names would send a dangerous signal. It would reflect that rules exist for fringe players, while stars operate above them. Such a message, he says, could destabilize the Tour far more than short-term roster gaps.

In fact, this is not the first time Chamblee has said that Koepka’s return should not be without consequences. He shared a long X post on December 27, 2025, putting forward his views on the same. The Golf Channel analyst said that while he can’t be punished for his popularity, his influence and “credibility made LIV viable.” He even acknowledged that it should not be much of a punishment, but more like a message that defectors will be punished and loyalty will be rewarded.

During a conversation with Trey Wingo, Chamblee also stated that when Brooks Koepka and others went to LIV, they destabilized the professional golf ecosystem. Thus, it should not be made analogous to someone going to play on the DP World Tour.

Rory McIlroy and Brandel Chamblee aren’t the only ones commenting on the debate. Many other professional golfers and analysts have also had their say.

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PGA Tour pros react to Brooks Koepka’s LIV exit

Professionals on both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have shared their thoughts on Brooks Koepka’s exit and the path back into the American league. Harry Higgs, for one, commented under the statement released by the PGA Tour about the 5x major winner. He said that the tour should put it to a vote. Notably, Higgs has no problem with Koepka playing on the PGA Tour once again.

Michael Kim also shared his views in an X post. “I assume with LIV letting Brooks go, there’s an understanding that he doesn’t play anywhere in 26 except probably the majors,” Kim wrote. He stated that Koepka is a well-liked golfer, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play a full event.

Apart from these PGA Tour pros, LIV golfers also expressed gratitude towards Koepka and wished him success. Graeme McDowell, who played alongside the 5x major champion in Smash GC for three years, wrote “Nothing but love and gratitude to @BKoepka.”

Talor Gooch, who will replace Brooks Koepka as Smash GC’s new captain, also thanked the American golfer. He said that Brooks Koepka is one of the greatest competitors. Just like McDowell, Gooch is also a friend and teammate of the 2023 PGA Championship winner.

As Koepka’s future remains uncertain, the debate has shifted from whether he should return to how that return should be. The PGA Tour now faces a defining decision. It can balance star power with accountability or risk sending a message that influence outweighs principle.