Brooks Koepka, the five-time major champion, has become the first player to leave LIV Golf, a move that could reshape the Saudi-backed league and raise questions about his future on the PGA Tour.
Koepka’s Departure
LIV Golf announced that Koepka would no longer compete in the league, citing an “amicably and mutually agreed” decision between the player and the organization. Scott O’Neil, the new CEO of LIV, stated: “Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home,” adding, “We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course.”
LIV’s website also noted that Talor Gooch would become the new captain of the Smash team that Koepka had led.
PGA Tour’s Response
The PGA Tour, which has a policy that bans players who have joined LIV from competing for one year after their last participation, issued a brief statement: “Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success,” the tour said. “The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness.”
An anonymous source told reporters that Koepka had informed the PGA Tour of his plans before the public announcement. The source, who wished to remain unnamed, said the communication had not yet been disclosed publicly.
Koepka’s Career Highlights
- Koepka began his career on the European Tour and played four European Tour events in 2025, finishing fourth in the French Open a week before the Ryder Cup.
- He competed in the 2023 Ryder Cup but was not considered for the 2025 event due to his form.
- Koepka spent 47 weeks at No. 1 in the world in 2018 and 2019.
- He joined LIV in June 2022 and was one of the league’s biggest signings.
- Koepka won five majors, including the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, his fifth major title.
- He has five wins on LIV Golf but only two top-10 finishes in 2025, with his best result a runner-up. He finished 31st in the 54-man LIV standings.
- Outside LIV, Koepka missed the cut in five of the eight tournaments he played in 2025, including three majors.
Impact on LIV Golf
Koepka’s exit leaves two-time major champions Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm as the league’s biggest draws, alongside Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton. LIV has not yet announced a replacement for Koepka. The league has signed only Victor Perez and Laurie Canter for the 2026 season, which starts in February in Saudi Arabia, and runs a promotion tournament in January where two players can gain entry.
LIV is also awaiting approval to join the Official World Golf Ranking system. One hurdle is the league’s method of selecting players for its circuit, which differs from other tours that are part of the ranking system.
Koepka’s Future
To return to the PGA Tour, Koepka would need to re-apply for membership. He was not part of the antitrust lawsuit filed by LIV players against the PGA Tour in 2022. The league’s policy requires a one-year sit-out from a player’s last participation, and LIV’s season ended on Aug. 24.
Blake Smith, Koepka’s manager at Hambric Sports, released a statement through LIV: “Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home,” the statement said. “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.”
Key Takeaways
- Koepka is the first player to defect from LIV Golf, a significant blow to the league.
- The PGA Tour has acknowledged the move and outlined the pathway for Koepka’s potential return.
- LIV’s roster and future ranking status remain uncertain following Koepka’s exit.
Brooks Koepka’s decision marks a pivotal moment for both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, as the sport watches to see whether the former champion will re-enter the traditional tour circuit or continue to shape golf in new ways.
