Brooks Koepka leaves LIV golf, Family Cited as Key Factor in Decision
Brooks Koepka, the five-time major championship winner, will depart from LIV Golf following the 2025 season, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. The proclamation, made Tuesday, marks a significant shift for one of the Saudi Arabia-backed tour’s most prominent figures as he initially joined the institution ahead of its inaugural 2022 season.
Koepka finished 31st in LIV Golf’s individual standings in 2025, a year in which he failed to secure a tournament victory — the first time in five years he hadn’t hoisted a trophy. “Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf,†a statement from his depiction confirmed. “… Family has always guided Brooks’ 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.â€
A dominant force in the sport, Koepka, 35, spent 47 weeks ranked as the No. 1 golfer in the world back in 2018. Throughout his career, he has secured nine PGA Tour victories, including two U.S. Open titles (2017-18) and three PGA Championships (2018-19, 2023).However, his 2025 major championship performance was lackluster, missing the cut at three of the four events.
The future remains uncertain regarding Koepka’s return to competitive golf, and specifically, whether he will rejoin the PGA Tour.Speculation suggests he may take a year off in 2026 to focus on family before perhaps rejoining LIV Golf in 2027. Though, a return to the PGA Tour is intricate by the league’s current policy of a one-year suspension for any golfer participating in unauthorized events — a category that includes LIV Golf tournaments.
Koepka would also need to regain playing status on the PGA Tour after being inactive since 2021. While his recent major championship win could potentially exempt him from lower qualifying levels, he would still be required to reapply for membership and face potential disciplinary action.
The PGA Tour welcomed the news of Koepka’s departure, stating, “Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success.The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative surroundings in which to pursue greatness.â€
the shift in leadership at both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has played a role in the evolving dynamics between the two organizations. According to sources, much of the initial animosity stemmed from differing approaches at the top. While PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp could potentially advocate for a rollback of policies to welcome back players like Koepka,significant resistance remains within the PGA Tour,with many still harboring resentment towards those who initially departed for LIV Golf. These individuals believe LIV Golf lured players with more lucrative opportunities, disrupting the established structure of professional golf.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil confirmed the amicable split, stating, “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.â€
Koepka’s decision underscores the complex interplay between professional ambition, financial considerations, and personal priorities in the modern landscape of professional golf.
