Brooks Koepka Departs LIV Golf, Citing Family Priorities
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has announced his departure from LIV Golf, effective after the 2025 season. The news was confirmed by LIV Golf League CEO Scott O’Neil, who stated that Koepka’s decision was made amicably and mutually. Koepka, 35, will be replaced by Talor Gooch as captain of Smash GC.
According to O’Neil, Koepka is prioritizing the needs of his family and wishes to spend more time at home. “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,” O’Neil said in a statement.
Koepka’s management team also released a statement, thanking Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund; O’Neil and LIV Golf League’s management team; his teammates; and fans. “Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home,” the statement read. “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.”
Personal Challenges and Career Highlights
Koepka’s wife, Jena, announced on social media in October that she had suffered a miscarriage at 16 weeks. The couple has a 2-year-old son, Crew. Koepka’s decision to leave LIV Golf may be influenced by his desire to spend more time with his family and prioritize their well-being.
During his time with LIV Golf, Koepka achieved significant success, becoming the first player to win five individual competitions. His most recent win was in August 2024 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. However, he struggled in the past season, finishing 31st among 54 golfers in the season-long individual points standings.
Koepka’s form was better in his last two starts on the DP World Tour, where he finished fourth in the Open de France in Paris and tied for 15th in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland.
Future Plans and PGA Tour Eligibility
It remains unclear when Koepka might be permitted to return to the PGA Tour if he desires to do so. Former PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan suspended golfers who competed in LIV Golf tournaments without conflicting-event releases. Koepka will have to formally reapply for PGA Tour membership if he wants to return, as he didn’t renew his membership before the 2022-23 season.
If Koepka reapplies for PGA Tour membership, the tour will start the reinstatement and disciplinary process, which will include “thoughtful input from the board, including player directors.” The PGA Tour does not publicly disclose or comment on disciplinary matters.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his PGA Tour eligibility, Koepka will still be eligible to play in the four majors due to his five-year exemption for winning the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York.
Talor Gooch, who will replace Koepka as captain of Smash GC, expressed his respect for Koepka’s decision. “I want to start by thanking Brooks,” Gooch said in a 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.”
The PGA Tour released a statement wishing Koepka and his family continued success. “Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success,” the statement read. “The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness.”
