Brooks Koepka Parts Ways With LIV Golf Ahead of 2026 Season: What It Means for His Career
Brooks Koepka , the American golfing star and five-time major champion, has officially parted ways with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League ahead of the 2026 season in what has been described as a mutually agreed and amicable decision. The announcement, made on December 24, 2025, marks a surprising development in the 35-year-old’s professional career, especially as one year reportedly remained on a contract valued at around $100 million.
Koepka first grabbed global attention in June 2022 when he left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf under a lucrative deal designed to boost the breakaway league’s credibility. The move sparked widespread debate, as LIV Golf - financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund - faced criticism for challenging the traditional structure of professional golf. Koepka’s arrival delivered instant star power, which peaked when he won the 2023 PGA Championship, becoming the first LIV Golf player to claim a major title and significantly strengthening the league’s legitimacy.
In a statement released alongside the announcement, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil stressed that the separation was far from contentious. “We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League following the 2025 season,” O’Neil said. The league acknowledged Koepka’s contributions both on and off the course and wished him well, noting that the decision was influenced by the golfer’s desire to prioritise family life and spend more time at home.
Koepka echoed those sentiments in his own official remarks, expressing sincere gratitude to LIV Golf’s leadership, teammates and fans. While reaffirming his enduring passion for professional golf, he stopped short of outlining specific future plans. His comments suggested that, despite stepping away from the LIV Golf circuit, he remains supportive of the league and its players and will share updates on his next move when the time is right.
From a competitive standpoint, Koepka’s exit raises important questions about his tournament eligibility. Owing to his 2023 PGA Championship victory, he remains eligible to compete in all four major championships in 2026. However, current PGA Tour regulations require players leaving LIV Golf to serve a one-year waiting period from their final LIV appearance before rejoining the Tour. Koepka last competed at the LIV Golf Michigan event on August 24, meaning a potential return to the PGA Tour may not be possible until late 2026 or later, unless special exemptions are granted.
The PGA Tour responded by acknowledging Koepka’s achievements and wishing him and his family continued success, while reiterating that it continues to offer the most competitive and financially rewarding environment in professional golf. The Tour did not indicate whether any policy changes or exemptions would be considered.
Koepka’s stint with LIV Golf featured both notable highs and ongoing challenges. While his major championship win remains a defining highlight, the league’s 54-hole, no-cut format has drawn criticism from players seeking more demanding competition. His departure adds further intrigue to the evolving global golf landscape, particularly as discussions continue around world ranking points, competitive structures and LIV Golf’s push for broader recognition.
Koepka first grabbed global attention in June 2022 when he left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf under a lucrative deal designed to boost the breakaway league’s credibility. The move sparked widespread debate, as LIV Golf - financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund - faced criticism for challenging the traditional structure of professional golf. Koepka’s arrival delivered instant star power, which peaked when he won the 2023 PGA Championship, becoming the first LIV Golf player to claim a major title and significantly strengthening the league’s legitimacy.
In a statement released alongside the announcement, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil stressed that the separation was far from contentious. “We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League following the 2025 season,” O’Neil said. The league acknowledged Koepka’s contributions both on and off the course and wished him well, noting that the decision was influenced by the golfer’s desire to prioritise family life and spend more time at home.
Koepka echoed those sentiments in his own official remarks, expressing sincere gratitude to LIV Golf’s leadership, teammates and fans. While reaffirming his enduring passion for professional golf, he stopped short of outlining specific future plans. His comments suggested that, despite stepping away from the LIV Golf circuit, he remains supportive of the league and its players and will share updates on his next move when the time is right.
From a competitive standpoint, Koepka’s exit raises important questions about his tournament eligibility. Owing to his 2023 PGA Championship victory, he remains eligible to compete in all four major championships in 2026. However, current PGA Tour regulations require players leaving LIV Golf to serve a one-year waiting period from their final LIV appearance before rejoining the Tour. Koepka last competed at the LIV Golf Michigan event on August 24, meaning a potential return to the PGA Tour may not be possible until late 2026 or later, unless special exemptions are granted.
The PGA Tour responded by acknowledging Koepka’s achievements and wishing him and his family continued success, while reiterating that it continues to offer the most competitive and financially rewarding environment in professional golf. The Tour did not indicate whether any policy changes or exemptions would be considered.
Koepka’s stint with LIV Golf featured both notable highs and ongoing challenges. While his major championship win remains a defining highlight, the league’s 54-hole, no-cut format has drawn criticism from players seeking more demanding competition. His departure adds further intrigue to the evolving global golf landscape, particularly as discussions continue around world ranking points, competitive structures and LIV Golf’s push for broader recognition.
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