Confirmed: Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has confirmed in a statement that five-time major champion Brooks Koepka will no longer compete on the league. 

"We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League," read a statement from LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil.

A statement from Koepka's representatives read as follows: 

"Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf.

"He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O'Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans.

"Family has 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."

Koepka, 35, joined LIV Golf from the very start in the summer of 2022.

It is believed the five-time major champion penned a multi-year deal in the region of $125m. 

But despite having one more year left on his contract, Koepka has called time on the Saudi-bankrolled league, something Sports Business Journal's Josh Carpenter hinted could be on the cards last month. 

Brooks Koepka has quit LIV Golf

Koepka acted as the captain of Smash GC, which also comprises Graeme McDowell, Talor Gooch and Jason Kokrak.

He won five individual titles during his time on LIV Golf, with victories spanning 2022 to 2024. 

LIV Golf CEO O'Neil has confirmed Gooch will now become the new captain of Smash GC in 2026. 

"We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season," wrote O'Neil in a lengthy statement after learning Koepka had decided to leave LIV Golf. 

"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. 

"LIV Golf’s mission is to expand the game’s footprint to new markets, increase competitive opportunities for current and future players and fuel a thriving and growing fan base worldwide. Achieving our mission demands exceptional dedication to rigorous global travel, heightened engagement with media, partners, and fans and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of stars. More than competitors, our players are partners in this effort to actively market the world’s most important sport. We’re deeply grateful to our players who embrace, enjoy, and appreciate the incredible opportunity we have to shape the game for the next era of players and fans.

"Looking forward, Talor Gooch will take over as captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season. Talor is a world-class talent ready for this leadership role. His performance, including numerous individual victories and the 2023 LIV Golf Individual Championship, exemplifies the competitive excellence we champion. Talor's proven track record as a golfer and his business acumen makes him the ideal player to lead Smash GC into the future. This moment reinforces the healthier, more flexible global golf ecosystem that we’re striving to create. One that supports players’ rights to compete on their terms while also showcasing our league's competitive depth and the readiness of our players to step into leadership roles."

Gooch said: "I want to start by thanking Brooks. 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."

As O'Neil and Koepka's team have made clear in the statements above, Koepka has decided to part ways with the breakaway league in order to spend more time with his family in 2026. 

2025 proved to be one of the toughest of Koepka's life both on and off the course. 

Brooks' wife, Jena, suffered a miscarriage earlier this year which she announced via Instagram.

Could Brooks Koepka return to the PGA Tour? 

The big question on everyone's lips right now is will Koepka return to the PGA Tour? 

The short answer? Maybe in 2027. 

While Koepka is still exempt into the PGA Championship for the rest of his career, and also into the three other majors through 2028, he is not currently eligible to compete on the PGA Tour.

Koepka will first need to re-apply for PGA Tour membership as he is no longer a member. 

The PGA Tour will then need to decide on the appropriate disciplinary action and how long Koepka sits out of competitive action. 

Non-members of the PGA Tour under current rules face a 12-month suspension until being able to return to the circuit. 

If that rule applied to Koepka then he would not be able to compete until the start of the 2027 PGA Tour. 

A PGA Tour representative has offered no further details on when we might see Koepka back on the PGA Tour.

But the PGA Tour has issued a statement on social media wishing Brooks and his family the best. 

"Brooks Koepka is a hugly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success," read a statement from the PGA Tour. 

"The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness."

What does all that mean? Your guess is as good as ours at this stage. 

Towards the end of the 2025 season, Koepka competed in a string of DP World Tour events. 

Whether we see Koepka compete in more DP World Tour events in 2026 remains to be seen. 

For now though, Koepka won't be on LIV Golf and he won't be on the PGA Tour. 

As Koepka's representatives highlight in their latest statement, Brooks will be informing his fans more details about his future plans soon.