Brooks Koepka’s attorney has reiterated the golfer’s decision to quit LIV and re-join the PGA Tour was solely based on a desire to be closer to his family.
Koepka, 35, quit LIV Golf in December and was reinstated to the American circuit via a hastily-enacted returning member programme.
On Thursday, the five-time major champion teed up on the PGA Tour for the first time in more than four years at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.
A nervous Koepka is facing a battle to make the cut after firing a one-over 73 at Torrey Pines South Course.
His attorney, Liner Freedman, has given a wide-ranging interview to Fox Sports in which he gave fresh insight into Koepka’s split from LIV.
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According to Freedman, Koepka felt his travel schedule with LIV was far too intense.
“And I think as time went on, he longed to spend more time with his family and be closer to the US,” he said.
“I don’t know that Brooks really made a decision that he wanted to get out until he made that decision, right?
“It had very little to do with golf and much to do about family.
“If you are happy and comfortable at home and able to be with your family for longer periods of time, then you truly have the most important kind of support to excel as an athlete.
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“I believe that to be the same for most athletes in every sport.”
Both Koepka and LIV Golf commissioner, Scott O’Neil, have refused to reveal the terms of his exit.
In recent weeks, there has been speculation over whether Koepka had to forfeit cash, given that he still had one year remaining on his contract.
Telegraph Sport reported that his departure cost him $15m.
Brooks Koepka: Golf Dad.
Awesome moment here from him after his first round back on the PGA Tour. pic.twitter.com/LTOmgGxTiQ
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) January 30, 2026
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“Brooks and I worked together with other people on the team and LIV people to try to reach a structure that would work for everyone,” Freedman said.
“And to have Brooks get his desired result, I think, that Brooks has nothing but respect for LIV, it was a respectful process, and I think everyone saw the benefit in Brooks being able to be happy and do what he wanted to do, which was to be closer to home, closer to his child, closer to his wife.
“He’s gone through some personal things and wanted to really kind of address those from a human being standpoint.”
Speaking to reporters after his first round back on Tour, Koepka said he was extremely nervous about how he would be received by spectators and fellow players.
Several players, including 2025 United States Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and Rory McIlroy, have spoken positively about Koepka in recent weeks.
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Defending Farmers Insurance Open champion Harris English predicted Koepka and Patrick Reed’s departure from LIV perhaps signalled the beginning of the end.
Freedman said the reaction Koepka has received so far has been “great”, adding: “The PGA has been wonderful, they welcomed him back.
“There are certainly restrictions that he has, and he’ll abide by them. But I think they have been incredible in the way in which they have welcomed him back.
“I think he’s really excited. I think he’s excited to make amends with the players and do his best to just kind of be a golfer among golfers, as a worker among workers, and really go in there and be humble and walk in with the humility and the grace that Brooks walks around with.”
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Brooks Koepka
Koepka has said he does not regret moving to LIV, despite his poor performances in the major championships over the last two years.
Freedman said: “I don’t think he had any regrets at all going to LIV. I think if anything, everybody wishes that everybody got along better, right?”
“That there was some ability where people really had to play nicely in the sandbox together, and that this be a situation that didn’t raise so many issues for people.
“I think that if there’s any regret, it’s probably that.”
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