Brooks Koepka, the five-time major champion and one of LIV Golf’s highest-profile players, will no longer compete on the LIV Golf League after the 2025 season, the league announced Tuesday, with Koepka citing family reasons and saying he intends to spend more time at home while keeping his competitive plans open.

League and player statements

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said the split was “amicable and mutual,” noting the league’s appreciation for Koepka’s impact on the game as he departs with one year reportedly remaining on his contract[1].

Koepka’s representatives released a statement saying the 35-year-old is “deeply grateful” to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, O’Neil, LIV leadership, his teammates and fans, and that “family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home.” The statement added that Koepka “remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead.”[2]

Performance and recent context

Koepka joined LIV Golf in 2022 on a high-profile deal reportedly worth more than $100 million and quickly became one of the league’s marquee players, winning five times in his first three years on LIV and capturing the 2023 PGA Championship while aligned with LIV—becoming the first active LIV player to win a major[1].

However, his on-course form dipped in the most recent season, when he recorded just two top-10 finishes, finished 31st in the LIV points standings and missed cuts at three of the four majors he entered[2].

Personal factors cited

Koepka’s decision comes after a difficult year off the course: his wife, Jena, suffered a miscarriage earlier in 2025, and the couple have a young son, Crew; Koepka’s camp said family considerations were central to the decision[2].

What this means for LIV and Smash GC

LIV confirmed Koepka will be replaced as captain of Smash GC by Talor Gooch for the 2026 season, according to league statements reported by ESPN[3].

Front Office Sports and other outlets characterized Koepka’s departure as a significant loss for LIV, which has already seen fluctuation among top players since its debut in 2022[1].

Possible next steps: PGA Tour return or hiatus?

Koepka did not announce immediate competitive plans, leaving open multiple possibilities: a permanent step away from full-time tour competition, a limited schedule focused on majors, or an attempt to return to the PGA Tour. Sources told ESPN that Koepka informed the PGA Tour of his plan to leave LIV before the announcement and that, should he seek to rejoin the PGA Tour, he would have to formally reapply for membership because he did not renew PGA Tour membership prior to the 2022-23 season[3].

Reaction from the golf world

The PGA Tour acknowledged Koepka’s achievements and reiterated the Tour’s position that it offers the most competitive environment for elite golfers, while wishing him and his family continued success[3].

Koepka’s departure drew commentary about the state of professional golf’s landscape: analysts noted that while LIV has retained and attracted major talents since 2022, the league’s roster has continued to shift, and losing a high-profile name like Koepka is notable for both competitive balance and public perception[1][4].

Background on Koepka’s LIV tenure

Koepka signed with LIV in 2022 and delivered immediate impact, including major championship success and multiple LIV victories early in his tenure[1].

Despite those accomplishments, injuries and inconsistent form have affected his results in recent seasons, and personal circumstances in 2025 appear to have accelerated his decision to step back from the league[2][4].

What to watch next

• Whether Koepka will seek PGA Tour reinstatement (which would require formal reapplication) or pursue a part-time schedule focused on majors and selected events[3].
• How Smash GC adjusts its roster and leadership with Talor Gooch set to take over captaincy in 2026[3].
• The reaction of sponsors and partners to Koepka’s choice to step away from full-time LIV competition, given his marketability as a multiple major winner[1].

Koepka’s statement closed by saying he will “continue to be a huge supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success,” while leaving his competitive timeline unspecified and promising to keep fans informed on his next steps[2].