Brooks Koepka Leaves LIV Golf Before Contract Ends
Brooks Koepka, one of the most high-profile signings of the LIV Golf tour, has decided to part ways with the breakaway league ahead of the 2026 season. The 35-year-old, who had one year remaining on his reported $100 million contract, made the announcement in a statement shared by LIV Golf on Tuesday, citing the desire to spend more time with his family.
Koepka originally joined LIV Golf in June 2022, leaving the PGA Tour amid LIV’s aggressive efforts to attract major champions and elevate the league’s credibility on the global stage. His move was widely covered in the media and marked a significant moment for LIV Golf as it competed against the established PGA Tour.
Statement from LIV Golf
Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, confirmed the departure:
“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.”
Koepka also released a personal statement thanking the league’s leadership, teammates, and fans:
“Family has always guided Brooks’s 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.”
Career Highlights and LIV Golf Tenure
Koepka’s tenure with LIV Golf was marked by both successes and challenges. Notably, he won the 2023 PGA Championship while participating in LIV Golf’s unique 54-hole, no-cut tournaments. This victory significantly boosted LIV Golf’s credibility in the professional golf world, showcasing that major champions could thrive even outside the PGA Tour framework.
Despite these achievements, Koepka occasionally expressed frustration with his schedule and competitive environment in LIV Golf. At one event, he candidly remarked:
“I’ve got a contract obligation out here to fulfil, and then we’ll see what happens.”
His decision to exit the tour early suggests that family priorities now take precedence over professional obligations.
Future Prospects: PGA Tour and Major Championships
While Koepka’s departure from LIV Golf is official, his future in professional golf remains uncertain. Thanks to his 2023 PGA Championship victory, he retains eligibility to compete in all four major championships in 2026.
However, the PGA Tour requires former LIV Golf players to sit out one year from their last LIV event before returning. Koepka’s last appearance was at the LIV Golf Michigan event on August 24, 2025. While the PGA Tour could potentially grant an exemption, it has not indicated any plans to do so.
The PGA Tour released a statement highlighting Koepka’s accomplishments:
“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.”
Family as a Driving Factor
Throughout his career, Koepka has repeatedly emphasized the importance of family in his decision-making. His early departure from LIV Golf reinforces this priority, suggesting that personal considerations may now outweigh professional ambitions.
LIV Golf, financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has drawn both praise and controversy for its high-profile signings and financial incentives. Koepka’s exit, however, highlights that even lucrative contracts cannot always supersede family commitments.
Conclusion
Brooks Koepka’s decision to step away from LIV Golf represents a major development in the ongoing evolution of professional golf. While fans speculate about a potential return to the PGA Tour or continued participation in major championships, the five-time major winner has made it clear that family life will take precedence in 2026.
This move also underscores the challenges faced by players navigating the competing demands of LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, particularly when balancing career opportunities with personal priorities.
Leave a Reply