In a shock move, Brooks Koepka has announced he has left LIV Golf before the 2026 season. But when can he return to the PGA Tour?
Brooks Koepka has announced he is leaving LIV Golf.
The five-time major champion, who stunned many by joining LIV back in 2022, will now depart the breakaway league despite having a year remaining on his lucrative contract.
Koepka has become the the first huge star to leave LIV but it is unclear at this stage when, or indeed if, he will return to the PGA Tour.
His wife, Jena, suffered a miscarriage earlier this year, and a statement from Koepka’s management team said that “he feels like this is the right moment to spend more time at home”.
“Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf,” read a statement released by LIV on Tuesday.
After thanking the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil, his teammates, and the fans, it added: “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.”
A short statement from O’Neil added: “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.”
Right now, the future career path of Koepka is a fascinating unknown.
Since LIV held its inaugural event in the summer of 2022, the PGA Tour has banned its members who have jumped ship and competed on the rival league.
Non-members who have competed on LIV and wish to return have been subjected to a 12-month ban.
It’s no secret that Koepka holds the majors in such high regard and his win at the 2023 PGA Championship has earned him exemptions into the Masters and The Open until 2028.
He is exempt into the PGA Championship for life and can play in the US Open until 2028, too.
Should Koepka continue playing competitive golf straight away, he could return to Europe and compete on the DP World Tour – where he cut his teeth before graduating on to the PGA Tour and becoming a dominant force in the majors.
But what about an immediate return to his former domain stateside?
Shortly after Koepka’s announcement, Ponte Vedra HQ released an intriguing, if ambiguous statement.
“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 environment in which to pursue greatness.”
Should the PGA Tour uphold the 12-month ban, Koepka will be eligible for a return in August.
Meanwhile, Koepka’s former teammate Talor Gooch has replaced him as captain of Smash GC.
The team is now looking for a new signing to replace Koepka ahead their season opener in Riyadh in February.
“I want to start by thanking Brooks,” Gooch said. “He is one of the greatest competitors in the game and I have learned so much from him while being his teammate on Smash GC. He’s a friend and teammate, and I have great respect for his decision. I wish him, Jena, and their family all the best.
“Looking ahead, I am incredibly honored and excited to officially take on the Captaincy role for the 2026 season. I’m excited and ready to embrace this new leadership and career challenge.
“I’m eager to build on the competitive standard Brooks established and work with our players to lead this team into this next successful chapter.”
