The golf world saw a rare winter shake-up in December.
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf, the league announced, three years after he joined the organization in 2022.
Koepka's departure from LIV was considered "amiable" and with the league's blessing, as the golf star prioritized his family and being closer to home. In January, Koepka then reportedly applied for reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership.
Here's what to know about Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf.
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Why is Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf?
In December, a statement was released by LIV Golf that detailed Brooks Koepka's exit from the league.
"We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season. Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home," the statement read. "We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course. LIV Golf’s mission is to expand the game’s footprint to new markets, increase competitive opportunities for current and future players and fuel a thriving and growing fan base worldwide.
Achieving our mission demands exceptional dedication to rigorous global travel, heightened engagement with media, partners, and fans and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of stars. More than competitors, our players are partners in this effort to actively market the world’s most important sport. We’re deeply grateful to our players who embrace, enjoy, and appreciate the incredible opportunity we have to shape the game for the next era of players and fans."
Thank you, @BKoepka pic.twitter.com/Z4brvVd76e
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) December 23, 2025
In the statement, LIV also announced that Talor Gooch would take over as Captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season in Koepka's absence.
Koepka also had a statement through representatives. He specified that family was a major factor in his decision. In October, Koepka's wife, Jena, announced on Instagram that she had experienced a miscarriage.
"Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf. He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans. Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home," the golfer's statement through representatives said. "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."
The PGA Tour also released a statement on Koepka's exit from LIV, although it was brief.
"Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success," it said. "The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness."
Official Statement from the PGA TOUR pic.twitter.com/DkYCPnwRSg
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) December 23, 2025
Koepka, 35, missed the cut in three of the four major championships in the 2025 season, also failing to win on LIV. He became the first star to leave LIV.
Brooks Koepka applies for PGA Tour reinstatement
Weeks after his departure from LIV, Koepka applied for reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership on Friday, Jan. 9, per ESPN.
While that was the first step in Koepka's potential return to the PGA Tour, it remains unclear when he would be permitted to do so, per ESPN. He didn't renew his PGA Tour membership before the 2022-23 season, last competing with the league in March 2022.
Brooks Koepka LIV Golf contract
In 2022, Koepka joined LIV Golf in a controversial move, after he had previously suggested that golfers would "sell out" by joining LIV. He was then suspended by the PGA Tour for playing in the LIV Golf Invitational Series. Koepka's deal was reportedly worth over $100 million over four years, lasting through 2026.
Koepka had one year remaining on his LIV contract before December's exit.
Brooks Koepka net worth
According to Spotrac, Koepka has made $97,300,514 in his career, including $46,065,848 from LIV Golf.
He has a net worth of $60 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.
Brooks Koepka LIV Golf Team
Koepka was the captain of LIV Golf team Smash GC prior to his exit. In his absence, it was announced that Talor Gooch will be the team's new captain.