Brooks Koepka Leaves LIV Golf to Prioritize Family Life

After months of speculation, Brooks Koepka’s journey with LIV Golf has officially concluded. The five-time major champion, who joined the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 on a nine-figure deal, has mutually agreed to part ways with the league following the 2025 season. In their official announcement, LIV Golf acknowledged Koepka’s decision stems from his desire to prioritize family needs and stay 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,” the league stated. Through his representatives, Koepka expressed gratitude toward LIV Golf’s leadership team, including Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Scott O’Neil, as well as his teammates and fans who supported him during his time with the tour. His statement emphasized that family has always been the guiding force behind his career decisions, and this moment feels right to redirect his focus homeward while remaining passionate about the game of golf.

The PGA Tour, which Koepka left to join LIV Golf, released a rather pointed statement following the announcement, seemingly taking a subtle jab at its rival league while acknowledging Koepka’s accomplishments. “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,” the Tour stated. This response has fueled speculation about whether Koepka might return to the PGA Tour, though his future plans remain undisclosed at this time. The timing of his departure is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which backs LIV Golf, potentially signaling changes in the professional golf landscape.

Koepka’s relationship with LIV Golf appears to have been complicated from the beginning. Earlier this year in March, he candidly admitted uncertainty about his future once his contract concluded, saying he did not “know where I’m going.” Rumors of buyer’s remorse have circulated throughout his tenure with the Saudi-funded league, despite the financial security it offered. When joining LIV in 2022, Koepka himself acknowledged that his physical condition played a significant role in the decision. Following a torn patella tendon and subsequent struggles on the traditional tour, the guaranteed payday from LIV provided a safety net during a challenging period in his career when tournament success had become elusive.

Before joining LIV Golf, Koepka had established himself as one of golf’s most dominant forces, capturing four major championships in just a two-year span between 2017 and 2019. His powerful game and steely demeanor made him seemingly unflappable in golf’s biggest moments. However, injuries severely impacted his performance in the years that followed. In the period leading up to his LIV Golf move, Koepka won just one event in three years, frequently missing cuts and finishing well down the leaderboard. His form was particularly troubling at the 2022 Masters (missed cut) and subsequent major appearances at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open (both T-55 finishes), which likely influenced his decision to accept LIV’s offer of financial stability during an uncertain physical period.

Koepka experienced something of a career renaissance in 2023, seemingly vindicating his move to LIV Golf by reclaiming his major championship form. He finished tied for second at the Masters and then captured his fifth major title at the PGA Championship just a month later, silencing critics who suggested players joining LIV would lose their competitive edge. This impressive performance earned him a spot on the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team, further cementing his standing among golf’s elite despite his affiliation with the breakaway league. His success served as evidence that LIV Golf players could still compete at the highest levels in major championships, where they remain eligible to participate despite restrictions on regular PGA Tour events.

However, Koepka’s resurgence proved short-lived. Since his 2023 PGA Championship victory, his performance in golf’s biggest events has declined significantly. In 2024, his best major finish was a T-12 at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, his only top-25 result in a major during that period. More concerningly, he missed the cut in the other three majors, suggesting the consistency that once defined his game remains elusive. As Koepka approaches his mid-30s, this latest career move indicates a shift in priorities from competitive achievement to personal fulfillment. While his future in professional golf remains uncertain, his legacy as one of the most formidable major championship competitors of his era is secure, regardless of which tour he ultimately calls home. His journey reflects the evolving landscape of professional golf, where personal values, financial considerations, and competitive opportunities continue to reshape players’ careers in this divided era of the sport.