Brooks Koepka’s Departure from LIV Golf: What’s Next for the Five-Time Major Champion?

Brooks Koepka during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links on October 2, 2025, in Carnoustie, Scotland. – Warren Little/Getty Images

In a significant development in the world of professional golf, five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has officially parted ways with LIV Golf, marking the first major defection from the Saudi-funded league. This move raises questions about his potential return to the PGA Tour, which has been under scrutiny since LIV’s inception.

LIV Golf Announces Koepka’s Exit

LIV Golf confirmed Koepka’s departure on its website, stating that Talor Gooch has been appointed the new captain of the Smash team that Koepka previously led. Scott O’Neil, the CEO of LIV, mentioned that the decision for Koepka to leave was reached amicably, highlighting, “Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home.”

Although LIV Golf does not disclose player contracts, it has been rumored that Koepka had one year remaining after joining the league in June 2022. The PGA Tour’s policy prohibits players from competing for one year after leaving LIV, and with LIV having concluded its season on August 24, Koepka is currently ineligible to return.

Koepka’s Career and Current Standing

Koepka, known for his powerful game and determination, began his career on the European Tour, where he has the option to compete. He participated in four European Tour events in 2023, finishing fourth in the French Open just before the Ryder Cup. Despite playing in the 2023 Ryder Cup, Koepka’s inconsistent performance led to his exclusion from the current selection.

Blake Smith, Koepka’s manager at Hambric Sports, emphasized that while no further comments would be made beyond LIV’s statement, Koepka remains grateful for his time in the league. The official statement noted, “Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home."

PGA Tour’s Response

In a rare acknowledgment of a former player’s exit, the PGA Tour expressed its best wishes for Koepka and his family, reaffirming its commitment to providing the most competitive and lucrative environment for professional golfers.

Notably, Koepka had informed the PGA Tour of his plans prior to LIV’s announcement, indicating a thoughtful approach to his career decisions. The first step toward a potential PGA Tour return would be reapplying for membership, especially as he was not part of the antitrust lawsuit filed by other LIV players in 2022.

Koepka: A Record of Success and Frustration

Koepka has a storied history in golf, previously holding the No. 1 world ranking for 47 weeks in 2018 and 2019. He was a significant signing for LIV Golf when it launched in 2022 but faced health challenges that may have influenced his choice to join the league.

Despite winning the PGA Championship in 2023, Koepka struggled with his form in LIV, securing five wins but only two top-10 finishes in 2025. His candid nature often led him to voice frustrations about the league not advancing as rapidly as he anticipated.

With Koepka’s departure, LIV Golf’s spotlight now shines on two-time major champions Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, along with Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton. However, as of now, LIV has not announced how Koepka’s position will be filled, having only signed Victor Perez and Laurie Canter for the 2026 season, which begins in February in Saudi Arabia.

Future Prospects for LIV Golf

LIV Golf remains under scrutiny as it waits for approval to become part of the Official World Golf Ranking system, with disparities in player selection posing challenges. The landscape of professional golf continues to shift, and Koepka’s next moves will be pivotal in determining his legacy and the future of both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

As the golf community watches closely, Koepka’s future could reshape the competitive dynamics of the sport, offering fans excitement about what lies ahead in his storied career.

In summary, Brooks Koepka’s exit from LIV Golf opens the door for a possible return to the PGA Tour, while raising questions about the future of the league and its remaining stars. As golf enthusiasts anticipate the impact of this significant change, Koepka’s next moves will undoubtedly be followed with great interest.