Brooks Koepka is leaving LIV Golf.
The league announced the split on Tuesday, saying in a statement that it was “agreed and mutually agreed” that Koepka would no longer compete at LIV, sending shockwaves through the world of professional golf.
LIVs proclamation emphasized Koepka’s desire to spend more time with his family given the demands of her global schedule.
“Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home,” it said, adding: “Achieving our mission requires extraordinary dedication to rigorous global travel, increased 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 a part of that ongoing mission.
Koepka has not commented independently, but the LIV 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 come close to Koepka’s stature. The move is particularly interesting given that Koepka was under contract with LIV until 2026.
Koepka had captained the LIV Smash GC franchise; that cloak now it will pass to his teammate Talor Gooch.
The PGA Tour’s secret answer
The PGA Tour released a statement just minutes after LIV’s announcement went live — though that statement raised as many questions as it answered.
“Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional and we wish him and his family continued success,” the statement said. “The PGA Tour continues to provide top professional players the most competitive, challenging and profitable environment in which to pursue greatness.”
However, one thing was clear as day: The Tour is paying extremely close attention.
Koepka’s uncertain future
So – now what?
Koepka’s statement was vague about his future, though you can read this sentence from his team all you want: “Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead.”
Can Koepka Rejoin the PGA Tour? This is the million dollar question. GOLF has learned that Koepka’s representatives gave the Tour advance notice of his decision, although they have not been involved in formal discussions about a possible return.
An interesting wrinkle in Koepka’s case is that he did not renew his PGA Tour membership after the 2022 season. So if he wanted to rejoin the Tour, he would have to officially reapply — and then they would decide on possible sanctions.
PGA Tour pros who headed to LIV face suspensions, though the length of those suspensions is uncertain and can vary by player. Some contributing factors in Koepka’s case:
– The tournament has suspended players who compete in “unauthorized” LIV events, with non-members subject to a one-year suspension from their last LIV event
-While he was a PGA Tour member when he signed with LIV in 2022, he did not renew his 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 is barred from the Masters, Open Championship and US Open until 2028, plus the PGA Championship forever.
It’s hard to imagine Koepka waltzing back into the Tour without sanctions. But it also seems clear from his 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.
DP World Tour option
If Koepka’s recent competitive history is any indication, his path back to golf’s “establishment” may include the DP World Tour. Koepka, who began his professional career overseas, played four DPWT events following 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 may be a little simpler in the short term; he can play a limited schedule of his choosing in 2026, receive a one-year suspension (the type hitherto given to non-members) and return to PGA Tour eligibility at the end of next year.
You can read LIV’s entire statement below.
Dylan Dethier welcomes your comments at dylan_dethier@golf.com.
“>
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 after 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 field. LIV Golf’s mission is to expand the game’s footprint into new markets, increase competitive opportunities for current and future players, and nurture a thriving and growing fan base around the world. Achieving our mission requires extraordinary commitment to rigorous global travel, increased 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 are 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 ahead, Talor Gooch will take over as Smash GC Captain for the 2026 season. Talor is a world-class talent ready for this leadership role. His performance, including multiple individual victories and the 2023 LIV Individual Golf Championship, exemplifies the competitive excellence we champion. Talor’s proven track record as a golfer and his business acumen make him the ideal player to lead Smash GC into the future. This moment reinforces the healthier and more flexible global golf ecosystem we are striving to create. One that supports players’ rights to compete on their own terms, while also showcasing the competitive depth of our league and the willingness of our players to step into leadership roles.
Statement from representatives of Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka is leaving LIV Golf. He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil and the LIV Golf management team, his teammates and fans. Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels now is the right time to spend more time at home. Brooks will continue to be a great 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 next.
Statement by Talor Gooch
I want to start by thanking Brooks. He is one of the greatest competitors in the game and I have learned a lot from him by being his teammate at Smash GC. He is a friend and a teammate and I have a lot of respect for his decision. I wish him, Jena and their family all the best.
Looking ahead, I am extremely honored and excited to officially assume the role of Captain for the 2026 season. I am excited and ready to embrace this new leadership and career challenge. I am eager to build on the competitive standard set by Brooks and work with our players to lead this team into this next successful chapter.
