Summary
Brooks Koepka, the prominent American golfer, has become the first to leave LIV Golf, a major blow to the Saudi-backed league and raising questions about whether the PGA Tour will allow him to return. LIV Golf announced on its website that Talor Gooch will take over as head of Team Smash, which Koepka previously led. Scott O'Neil, LIV's new CEO, stated that Koepka and the league reached an "amicable and mutual" agreement for Koepka to no longer compete in the league. "Brooks is prioritizing his family's needs and wants to be closer to home," O'Neil said.
“We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the field.”.
Although LIV does not disclose contract details, it is believed that Koepka had one more year remaining on his contract after joining in June 2022. PGA Tour policy prohibits players who join the rival league from participating for one year after their last competition. LIV's season concluded on August 24.
Key details
Koepka, who began his career on the European Tour, has the opportunity to play there. This year he participated in four European Tour events, achieving a fourth-place finish at the French Open, just one week before the Ryder Cup. Although he played in the 2023 Ryder Cup, he was not considered for this year's tournament due to his performance.
Blake Smith, Koepka's representative at Hambric Sports, indicated that there would be no further comment beyond a statement from LIV in which Koepka expresses his gratitude for his time with the league. “Family has always guided Brooks” decisions, and he feels this is the right time to spend more time at home,“ the statement reads. ”Brooks will continue to be a great supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success. Koepka remains passionate about golf and will keep his fans updated on what’s next.”.
The PGA Tour, while offering no details, unusually acknowledged the departure of a player who is no longer a member. “Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success,” the tour said in a statement. “The PGA Tour continues to provide the world’s best professional golfers with the most competitive, challenging, and lucrative environment to achieve greatness.”.
Statements and context
Before LIV's announcement, Koepka had informed the PGA Tour of his plans, according to a source who preferred to remain anonymous. To return, Koepka will need to reapply for membership. He was not among the LIV players who filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour in 2022.
Koepka, who held the world No. 1 ranking for 47 weeks in 2018 and 2019, was one of LIV's most high-profile signings at the start of the league in 2022. Despite dealing with injuries, he suggested he might not have joined had his health been better. He participated in a meeting at the 2022 U.S. Open with prominent PGA Tour players, urging them to join the tour. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan even attended Koepka's wedding in the Caribbean weeks before his move to LIV.
Koepka was the first LIV player to win a major in 2023, taking the PGA Championship at Oak Hill for his fifth major title. Bryson DeChambeau won the U.S. Open the following year. At LIV Golf, Koepka recorded five victories but only two top-10 finishes, his best result being a runner-up in 2025. He finished 31st in the 54-player league standings. This year, he missed the cut in five of the eight tournaments he played outside of LIV, including three majors.
What's next?
Koepka, known for his outspokenness, had expressed frustration earlier this year that LIV wasn't progressing as quickly as he'd hoped. His departure leaves DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, both two-time major champions, as the league's main attractions, which also includes Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton. LIV hasn't specified how it will replace Koepka. So far, it has only signed Victor Perez and Laurie Canter for the 2026 season, which begins in February in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the league holds a "promotion" tournament in January, where two players can gain entry to LIV.
They are also awaiting a response to their application to join the Official World Golf Ranking system. One of the sticking points has been the selection of players for their tour, which differs from the other tours that are part of the ranking system.
