The open secret has been confirmed. LIV Golf announced in the early hours that Brooks Koepka is leaving the Saudi league. With a brief “thank you” message on social media, they bid farewell to one of their main icons, the second golfer in their circuit with the most Majors won after Phil Mickelson. A few minutes later, the PGA Tour issued its own statement wishing the Florida golfer well and opening the door to his possible return. It remains to be seen, however, when and how.
This possibility has been talked about for some time and is now official. Koepka has been privately hinting for months at his desire to leave LIV Golf and rejoin the traditional circuits. In fact, from August to October, he participated in four DP World Tour tournaments: Irish Open, BMW PGA Championship, Open de France, and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Indeed, playing so many tournaments after the LIV season ended is what sparked all the rumours.
Koepka’s departure is a direct hit to the flotation line of LIV Golf. Not only is he the first big name to leave on his own initiative, but he has practically slammed the door on his way out, before his contract ended. He had one more year left with the Saudi world, but the five-time major winner decided not to wait any longer and cut ties. He reached an agreement, packed his bags, and ends this chapter that began in 2022 when a severe knee injury left him uncertain about his future.
Koepka is one of the two players who have won a Major while in LIV Golf. The other is Bryson DeChambeau. Koepka was the first at the PGA Championship in 2023 at Oak Hill. Without being a dissenting voice, partly because the contracts make it clear that criticism of the circuit can have consequences, he was clearly the least enthusiastic and excited when talking about LIV Golf. In fact, sponsored by Nike, he never changed the logo on his cap or clothing for his team’s name: the Smash.
The dissolution of Koepka’s contract was not an easy task. Not only because of the money he received when signing with the Saudis, but also because of his status as captain, which made him a part-owner of the team. All this had to be resolved, and lawyers from both sides have been working on it in recent months. The solution to Koepka’s departure obviously opens the door for other players to do the same in the coming months, although it remains to be seen if they have the same motivations. LIV Golf, by the way, announced shortly after his farewell that Talor Gooch would become the captain of the Smash, leaving them with one less player.
Official statement from the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour released the following statement regarding the news: “Brooks Koepka is a professional with an extraordinary track record, and we wish him and his family continued success. The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, demanding, and lucrative environment in which to pursue excellence.”
As can be seen, they are opening the doors for him, but it remains to be seen when and how. If they maintain the one-year sanction imposed on all those who have left LIV, Koepka would not be able to play again until August, or in other words, until the autumn tournaments of 2026. It also needs to be determined how he returns, not just the date. That is, with what category he returns to the PGA Tour and in what manner.
As for the DP World Tour, of the four tournaments he has played since the Open, three were with an invitation, and the fourth, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, was due to a top 10 finish the previous week. Currently, Koepka is not a member of the DP World Tour, but in theory, he could become one for 2026 as the 2023 PGA champion, provided he pays the fines and penalties imposed by the circuit. It remains to be seen if there is also a suspension. He could also continue playing with invitations without becoming a member, but in that case, he would have a tournament limit. This is what remains to be clarified.
Full statement from LIV Golf on Brooks Koepka’s departure
We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will cease competing in the LIV Golf League after the 2025 season. Brooks is prioritising his family’s needs and staying closer to home. We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the sport and wish him the greatest success, both on and off the course.
LIV Golf’s mission is to expand golf’s presence in new markets, increase competitive opportunities for current and future players, and foster a strong and growing global fan base. Fulfilling this mission requires exceptional dedication due to demanding international travel, greater engagement with media, sponsors, and fans, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of stars. More than competitors, our players are partners in this effort to actively promote the world’s most important sport. We are deeply grateful to the players who embrace, enjoy, and value the great opportunity we have to shape golf for the next era of players and fans.
Looking ahead, Talor Gooch will take on the role of captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season. Talor is a world-class talent, ready for this leadership role. His performance, which includes numerous individual victories and the title of 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion, exemplifies the competitive excellence we stand for. His proven track record as a golfer and his business vision make him the ideal player to lead Smash GC into the future. This moment reinforces the global golf ecosystem, healthier and more flexible, that we aspire to create: one that supports players’ rights to compete on their own terms while highlighting the competitive depth of our league and our players’ readiness to take on leadership roles.
STATEMENT FROM BROOKS KOEPKA’S REPRESENTATIVES
Brooks Koepka will step away from LIV Golf. He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf management team, as well as his teammates and fans. Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this 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 maintains his passion for golf and will keep fans informed about what is to come.
STATEMENT FROM TALOR GOOCH
I want to start by thanking Brooks. He is one of the best competitors in this sport, and I have learned a lot from him as his teammate at Smash GC. He is a friend and a teammate, and I greatly respect his decision. I wish him, Jena, and his family all the best.
Looking ahead, I am incredibly honoured and excited to officially take on the role of captain for the 2026 season. I am thrilled and ready to take on this new leadership and career challenge. I look forward to building on the competitive standard set by Brooks and working with our players to take this team to the next chapter of success.
