Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has left LIV Golf, becoming the first major winner to depart the Saudi Arabia-backed series since its launch.
The 35-year-old American joined LIV in 2022 after controversially leaving the PGA Tour and went on to win five events across four seasons. His representatives said the decision to step away was driven by family priorities.
“Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home,” a statement read. “Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf.”
Koepka was believed to have one year remaining on his LIV contract, but the league’s chief executive Scott O’Neil confirmed the departure had been “amicably and mutually agreed”.
“We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course,” O’Neil said.
Florida-born Koepka turned professional in 2012 and enjoyed nine seasons on the PGA Tour, winning nine titles. He is a three-time US PGA Championship winner and has also claimed the US Open twice.
The PGA Tour responded by wishing Koepka and “his family continued success”, adding that it “continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness”.
Koepka’s move to LIV, alongside players such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, was seen as a major coup during a turbulent period for professional golf.
His captaincy of the LIV team Smash will now be taken over by Talor Gooch, with the team set to fill a vacant roster spot ahead of the 2026 season, which begins in February.
Although Koepka is the first high-profile player to leave LIV, speculation over his future has circulated for months, including suggestions of a potential return to the PGA Tour.
Players who joined LIV were suspended by the PGA Tour for competing in unauthorised events, with non-members facing a one-year ban following their most recent LIV appearance. As it stands, Koepka would not be eligible to return until August 2026.
He will, however, remain eligible to compete on the DP World Tour and retain exemptions to play in golf’s four major championships.
Earlier this week, Chilean golfer Mito Pereira announced his retirement at the age of 30 after three seasons with LIV.
‘What happens next will be fascinating.’
Koepka’s exit is a significant moment for the breakaway league — the first time a major-winning player has walked away from LIV Golf.
Since his victory at the 2023 US PGA Championship, Koepka’s form has dipped sharply, and his relationship with LIV often appeared lukewarm. Unlike many recruits, he rarely acted as a vocal advocate for the series.
What comes next is uncertain. Under current rules, Koepka would not be eligible to return to the PGA Tour until August, one year after his final LIV appearance.
Whether exceptions could be made for one of the game’s biggest names remains unclear — and would likely prove controversial.
Another pathway could be through the DP World Tour, with which Koepka has long maintained close ties.
