Brooks Koepka Steps Away from LIV Golf in Shocking Move
The first major domino for LIV Golf in its war with the PGA Tour has fallen. Brooks Koepka is stepping down. It's not necessarily for golf reasons, as the golfer has cited more time with his family after a recent personal tragedy for the Koepka-Sims family. But this also comes after rumors and reports that the five-time Major champion was unhappy there.
Brooks Koepka officially left LIV Golf
Brooks Koepka was one of the biggest acquisitions for LIV Golf back when they began poaching talent from the PGA Tour. He was one of the most successful golfers who was still highly competitive (so not Phil Mickelson, with all due respect), and he won a Major as a member of LIV.
Last year, reports started circulating about his eventual exit from LIV. Fred Couples said he believed Koepka wanted to get back on the PGA Tour. Rumors began to swirl about when and how he could return. Now, he's done with LIV.
The golfer wants to stay closer to his family. His wife, actress and model Jena Sims, announced in October that she'd had a miscarriage at 16 weeks pregnant. She and the golfer have a two-year-old son as well.
Koepka had one year and about $100 million remaining on his contract, so the simple fact that he's able to step down is significant. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, who replaced longtime face Greg Norman in 2025, provided a statement to ESPN.
"We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season," O'Neil said. "Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home. We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course."
Brooks Koepka's team speaks
Brooks Koepka didn't make his own personal statement, but his management team did. They said that "family has always" played a huge role in his choices, and that the golfer believes now is the right time to be more present 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," the statement continued.
Talor Gooch will replace Koepka as the captain of Smash GC, the LIV team Koepka led. "I want to start by thanking Brooks," Gooch said in his own statement. "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," he concluded.
What's next for the golf star?
Logically, given the rumors about the golfer's unhappiness on LIV Golf and his early exit now, many might suspect that the five-time champion might return to the PGA Tour. This would mark the first instance of a LIV player attempting to return like this.
The PGA Tour is aware of this, as they offered up a statement, too. "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," it read.
It's not as simple as just signing back on, though. If and when the golfer applies for membership again, they will have to start a reinstatement and disciplinary process. He might be fined heavily, and he might also be suspended for a while before being allowed to play.
Per sources, Koepka did reveal his plan to leave to the PGA Tour before it was announced, so there is a chance he is lining up his ducks in a row to ensure he can play on tour again. However, given that this decision seems largely driven by the need to be with his family, an immediate return to face off with Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, and others is not likely.
