Brooks Koepka has announced he will step down from competing in LIV Golf after the 2025 season. The five-time major champion made the switch to the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit in 2022 following a distinguished career on the PGA Tour. As captain of the Smash team, leading Talor Gooch, Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell, the 35-year-old has secured five victories on the LIV circuit across the past three years.

Nevertheless, he will not be pursuing additional titles with LIV beyond next year. This comes despite Koepka still having a year remaining on his contract with the organisation. A statement confirming Koepka’s exit from LIV read: “Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from 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 team-mates 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.”

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil added: “We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season.”

“Brooks is prioritising the needs of his family and staying closer to home. We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course.”

Following his departure, Gooch will assume the captaincy of Smash for 2026. The American commented on the opportunity: “Looking ahead, I am incredibly honoured and excited to officially take on the Captaincy role for the 2026 season.

“I’m excited and ready to embrace this new leadership and career challenge. I’m eager to build on the competitive standard Brooks established and work with our players to lead this team into this next successful chapter.”

Koepka’s departure marks him as the first major star to leave LIV, and speculation will inevitably surround his next move – particularly regarding a possible return to the PGA Tour.

The prestigious organisation has suspended players who compete in LIV Golf events globally, with non-members facing a year-long ban following their final LIV appearance.

Nevertheless, the Floridian will retain eligibility to compete in the Masters, the US Open and the Open until 2028 due to exemptions.

He can also participate in the PGA Championship for the remainder of his career, having won the tournament in 2018, 2019 and 2023. In addition, Koepka has the option to participate in DP World Tour events, having already competed in four this year while balancing his LIV obligations.

The PGA Tour released a statement moments after Koepka’s revelation, which read: “Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success.

“The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness.”