Brooks Koepka Announces Departure From LIV Golf, Could He Return to PGA Tour?

Brooks Koepka was one of the headline names to depart the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf when he did so in 2022, but his immediate future in the sport is now unclear with his decision to step away from the breakaway league.

Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated reported Tuesday that Koepka will not compete in LIV in 2026, which was set to be the final year remaining on his contract.

A statement called the decision to leave "amiable" between Koepka and LIV, as he is "prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home."

The PGA Tour also released a statement:

Koepka finished in 31st of 54 places in the individual standings in LIV this past season and missed the cut in three of the four major championships. While he tied for 12th place in the U.S. Open, he didn't consistently threaten to add to a resume that includes five major championships.

Talor Gooch will take over as the captain of the Smash team in LIV following his departure.

Yet Koepka's future on the course is of more interest than ensuing Smash roster moves considering his status as one of the sport's biggest names and the first headliner to leave LIV. Harig noted "his potential return to the PGA Tour will be the subject of considerable speculation."

The PGA Tour has suspended those who competed in LIV events, while non-members have faced a yearlong ban following their final event in the breakaway league.

Yet Koepka was previously a PGA Tour member. What's more, his star power adds another layer to the situation, as his presence in tournaments could lead to higher attendance and television ratings for some of the non-major events.

Perhaps the PGA Tour will see an opportunity to welcome back one of its former stars after some type of suspension or punitive measurement. Doing so could set a precedent for other notable LIV golfers such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and others to return down the line and move toward a more unified sport.

For now, Koepka can compete in DP World Tour events after participating in four late in 2025.

But all eyes will eventually be on whether he is allowed to return to the PGA Tour.