In a significant shakeup for professional golf, five-time major champion Brooks Koepka will depart the LIV Golf League after the 2025 season. The league announced the mutual decision on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, ending the star golfer's tenure with the Saudi Arabian-financed circuit after three years.
A Mutual Decision for Family
LIV Golf League CEO Scott O'Neil stated that the organization and Koepka had "amicably and mutually agreed" on the exit. The official reason cited was Koepka's desire to prioritize his family and stay closer to home. Koepka's management team echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that "family has always guided Brooks' decisions."
This personal focus comes after a challenging period for the Koepka family. In October 2025, Koepka's wife, Jena, publicly shared that she had suffered a miscarriage at 16 weeks. The couple are parents to a two-year-old son, Crewe.
Contract Details and Immediate Replacement
The 35-year-old former world number one, who hails from West Palm Beach, signed a lucrative contract with LIV Golf in June 2022 reportedly worth more than $100 million. Sources indicate he had one year remaining on that deal. He will be immediately replaced as captain of Smash GC by fellow American Talor Gooch.
In a statement, Koepka's team thanked LIV Golf leadership, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and expressed continued support for the league. "Brooks will continue to be a huge supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success," the statement read.
The Looming Question: A PGA Tour Comeback?
Koepka's exit immediately ignited speculation about a potential return to the PGA Tour. According to a report from ESPN, Koepka informed the PGA Tour of his plans before Tuesday's public announcement. However, the path back is not automatic.
Golfers who joined LIV Golf without conflicting-event releases were suspended by the PGA Tour under former commissioner Jay Monahan. The Tour's current stance on readmission for departing LIV players remains a key question. In a brief statement, the PGA Tour acknowledged Koepka's accomplishments and wished his family well, reiterating that it "continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment."
Koepka's form in the majors has been inconsistent; he missed the cut in three of the four major championships during the past season. His departure marks a notable loss for LIV Golf's roster of star talent as the league heads into its 2026 campaign.
