Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka will not compete as part of the LIV Golf League in 2026.
The five-time major champion, who joined the controversial league in 2022 and had a year remaining on his LIV Golf contract, is leaving with the league’s blessing, according to a statement, calling the departure “amiable” and that he is “prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home.”
LIV Golf made the announcement Tuesday afternoon.
Koepka, 35, who won the 2023 PGA Championship while playing for LIV Golfsuffered through a tough season that saw him miss the cut in three of the four major championships while also failing to win on LIV, where he had just two top-10 finishes and was 31st among 54 players in the individual standings.
His wife, Jena, suffered a miscarriage earlier this year which she announced via Instagram.
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His captaincy for the LIV Golf team, Smash, will go to Talor Gooch. The team will have an opening to fill prior to the start of the 2026 season in February.
“Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf,” according to a statement from his management team released by LIV Golf. “He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan (the governor of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, (LIV CEO) Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates and the fans.
“Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home. 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.”
Koepka becomes the first star player to leave LIV Golf and his potential return to the PGA Tour will be the subject of considerable speculation.
The Tour has suspended players who competed in LIV Golf events, calling them unauthorized. Non-members have been subject to a year ban following their last LIV event. Koepka was previously a PGA Tour member, however, and it will be interesting to follow his case.
As a winner of the 2023 PGA Championship, he is exempt into the Masters through 2028 as well as the British Open. A two-time winner of the U.S. Open, he is exempt in that tournament through 2028 as well. His PGA Championship exemption is for life.
Koepka could compete in DP World Tour events—he played in four late this year, including a fourth-place finish at the French Open.
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