Big bang: Brooks Koepka leaves LIV Golf - return to the PGA Tour?

Professional golf is facing a turning point. Shortly before the start of the 2026 season, Brooks Koepka, one of LIV Golf's most high-profile advocates and guarantors of success, has announced his immediate departure. This makes the five-time major winner the first absolute top star to leave the Saudi-funded series before his contractual obligations have been fulfilled.

Why is Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf?

Although Koepka's contract was originally dated until the end of 2026, the US American and the league management agreed on an "amicable" termination. In an official statement, Koepka's representatives said: "Family has always guided Brooks' decisions and he feels this is the right time to spend more time at home."

Behind this statement are some turbulent months. After the painful miscarriage of his wife Jena last fall and the desire to be closer to his two-year-old son Crew, the global travel strains of the LIV Tour seem to have become unbearable for the 35-year-old. Added to this is a sporting dry spell: after his triumphant victory at the 2023 PGA Championship, success has recently failed to materialize; in 2025, it was only enough for 31st place in the LIV individual rankings.

Brooks Koepka's legacy at LIV Golf

Koepka's team, Smash GC, must now regroup. Talor Gooch takes over the captaincy with immediate effect. While Gooch paid tribute to the "great competitor" Koepka, the question remains as to who will take the vacant place in the team. For LIV Golf, the departure is a bitter loss of image, as Koepka's major successes gave the series much-needed sporting legitimacy.

Will Brooks Koepka return to the PGA Tour?

The golf world is now speculating intensely about a return to the PGA Tour. But it won't be easy. According to the current statutes, players who have taken part in unauthorized tournaments face a one-year ban from their last start. As Koepka last competed for LIV in August 2025, he would not be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour again until August 2026.

The PGA Tour reacted diplomatically but firmly: "Brooks Koepka is a highly decorated professional and we wish him and his family continued success. The PGA Tour continues to provide the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment for the best professional golfers to strive for greatness." Whether new CEO Brian Rolapp makes an exception for a star like Koepka or insists on the one-year ban will be the first major test for the new leadership.

The "domino effect"

Koepka's decision has already made waves that reach as far as his former companions. Bryson DeChambeau, whose own contract expires at the end of 2026, is already using the new situation as leverage in his negotiations with LIV, emphasizing that "things have to change" for the model to work in the long term. At the same time, he warned the PGA Tour against granting Koepka special rights: "If they do it by the rule book, they shouldn't grant exceptions. That would set a dangerous precedent."

Where will Brooks Koepka play in 2026?

Despite the LIV Golf farewell, Koepka will not disappear from the scene. Thanks to his Major victory in 2023, he is qualified for all four Majors in 2026. He is expected to make the most of these highlights and possibly tee it up on the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) in between, where he enjoys easier access conditions as an honorary life member.

Brooks Koepka has proven once again that he is not subject to any system. His departure could be the starting signal for a new dynamic in the deadlocked conflict between the Tours.