Brooks Koepka is leaving LIV Golf.
The league announced the split on Tuesday, declaring in a statement that it had “amicably and mutually agreed” that Koepka would no longer compete on LIV, sending shockwaves through the professional golf world.
LIV’s announcement emphasized Koepka’s desire to spend more time with his family given the demands of its global schedule.
“Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home,” it read, adding this: “Achieving our mission demands exceptional dedication to rigorous global travel, heightened engagement with media, partners, and fans and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of stars.”
The subtext seemed clear: Koepka is unwilling or unable to be part of that mission going forward.
Koepka has not independently commented but LIV’s announcement included a statement from Koepka’s representatives, thanking LIV chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil and adding that he wishes “the league and its players continued success.”
The departure is unprecedented in LIV’s four-year history. Players have come and gone from the league, but none approaching Koepka’s stature. The move is particularly interesting given Koepka was under contract with LIV through 2026.
Koepka had been a captain of LIV franchise Smash GC; that mantle will now pass to his teammate Talor Gooch.
PGA Tour’s cryptic response
The PGA Tour issued a statement just minutes after LIV’s announcement went live — though that statement raised as many questions as answers.
“Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success,” the statement read. “The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness.”
Still, it made one thing clear as day: the Tour is paying extremely close attention.
Koepka’s uncertain future
So — now what?
Koepka’s statement was vague on his future, though you can read into this sentence from his team as much as you want: “Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead.”
Could Koepka rejoin the PGA Tour? That’s the several-million-dollar question. GOLF has learned that Koepka’s representatives gave the Tour some advanced notice of his decision, though they haven’t engaged in formal discussions about a potential return.
An interesting wrinkle in Koepka’s case is that he didn’t renew his PGA Tour membership after the 2022 season. So if he wanted to rejoin the Tour, he’d need to formally re-apply — and then they’d rule on potential sanctions.
PGA Tour pros who left for LIV face suspensions, though the length of those suspensions is uncertain and could vary by player. A few contributing factors in Koepka’s case:
-The Tour has suspended players who compete in “unauthorized” LIV events, with non-members subject to a year’s suspension from their final LIV event
-While he was a PGA Tour member when he signed with LIV in 2022, he did not renew membership for the 2023 season
-He was not part of the group of LIV players to sue the PGA Tour
-He won the PGA Championship in 2023, which means he’s exempt at the Masters, Open Championship and U.S. Open through 2028, plus the PGA Championship for life.
It’s hard to imagine Koepka waltzing back onto the Tour sanction-free. But it also seems obvious from its immediate response that the Tour wants him back. Given his five major championships and star power, it’s easy to see why. These are uncharted waters; it’s safe to assume the Tour will do what it can to get Koepka eligible again as soon as possible.
The DP World Tour option
If Koepka’s recent competitive history is any hint, his road back to golf’s “establishment” could involve the DP World Tour. Koepka, who began his pro career overseas, played four DPWT events after the conclusion of the 2025 LIV season. Those four starts were highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the FedEx French Open.
The DP World Tour route could be slightly simpler in the short term; he could play a limited schedule of his choosing in 2026, ride out a one-year suspension (the type doled out to non-members thus far) and return to PGA Tour eligibility late next year.
You can read LIV’s entire statement below.
Dylan Dethier welcomes your comments at dylan_dethier@golf.com.
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Statement from LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil
We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season. Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home. We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course. LIV Golf’s mission is to expand the game’s footprint to new markets, increase competitive opportunities for current and future players and fuel a thriving and growing fan base worldwide. Achieving our mission demands exceptional dedication to rigorous global travel, heightened engagement with media, partners, and fans and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of stars. More than competitors, our players are partners in this effort to actively market the world’s most important sport. We’re deeply grateful to our players who embrace, enjoy, and appreciate the incredible opportunity we have to shape the game for the next era of players and fans.
Looking forward, Talor Gooch will take over as Captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season. Talor is a world-class talent ready for this leadership role. His performance, including numerous individual victories and the 2023 LIV Golf Individual Championship, exemplifies the competitive excellence we champion. Talor’s proven track record as a golfer and his business acumen makes him the ideal player to lead Smash GC into the future. This moment reinforces the healthier, more flexible global golf ecosystem that we’re striving to create. One that supports players’ rights to compete on their terms while also showcasing our league’s competitive depth and the readiness of our players to step into leadership roles.
Statement from Brooks Koepka’s representatives
Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf. He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans. 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.
Statement from Talor Gooch
I want to start by thanking Brooks. He is one of the greatest competitors in the game and I have learned so much from him while being his teammate on Smash GC. He’s a friend and teammate, and I have great respect for his decision. I wish him, Jena, and their family all the best.
Looking ahead, I am incredibly honored and excited to officially take on the Captaincy role for the 2026 season. I’m excited and ready to embrace this new leadership and career challenge. I’m eager to build on the competitive standard Brooks established and work with our players to lead this team into this next successful chapter.
