Throughout the off-season for both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, rumors were flying on who was staying and who was going. One of the unconfirmed rumors was on the status of Brook Koepka. He has been long subject to rumors of departing LIV Golf throughout 2025. Then, over the holidays, right before Christmas, Koepka announced that he was leaving LIV. His departure has sparked debate on what should happen to the players who have left LIV and may be seeking a return to the PGA.
Why Did Brooks Koepka Leave LIV Golf?
On December 23, 2025, Brooks Koepka made the official announcement that he was leaving the league. Koepka has stated that he left due to family matters and wants to spend more time with them. He split with the league amicably with no hard feelings between the two parties. There is speculation that it has more to do with how LIV has yet to make a deal with the OWGR and has overall limited opportunities for players. That, however, is just speculation. This does mean that there is a possibility that Koepka may return to the PGA Tour, and there is the issue of what will happen to Him.
Brooks Kopeka PGA Return?
Given the year-long suspension that is now counting down, the idea of Koepka returning is not off the table. However, he is an early defector to the breakout league and has gotten the full brunt of the consequences. There is a split as to whether or not double defectors should continue to face consequences. Commentators, like Brandel Chamblee, believe that there should be some continued consequences, even if it’s just a fine. Players like Rory McIlroy believe that the players who may one day return will have faced enough consequences. McIlroy would go on to state on The Overlap:
“They’ve made the money, but they’ve paid their consequence in terms of reputation and some of the things they’ve lost going over there,” McIlroy said. “If it made the overall tour stronger to have Bryson DeChambeau back and whoever else, I would be OK with it…”
He goes on to state that whatever happens next should be a group decision between Tour members. McIlroy’s statement about reputation and some other things is notable. Chamblee has observed this too, seeing LIV stars lose their star power after switching over, and some lost some skill. Except for DeChambeau.
A New Chapter For Golf
Brooks Koepka is the first big name to exit LIV Golf. Before, it was smaller-name players switching from LIV, like Laurie Canter. If more star players follow suit, it will create an unprecedented situation for the sport. Simaltaneously it will make the story of LIV Golf into a strange chapter in the sport’s history. Statements from players like Rory McIlroy, who has a vocal history of opposing the league, mean that the players at least are willing to put it behind them and let it slip back into history. However, for now, LIV Golf is still going and is looking to shake things up in an effort to keep itself relevant for the 2026 season.
Main Photo Credit: © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
