Brooks Koepka quits LIV Golf ahead of 2026 season with Talor Gooch taking over as captain of Smash GC
Brooks Koepka leaves LIV Golf to spend more time with his family despite having one more year to run on current deal; Talor Gooch will take over as captain of Smash GC
Wednesday 24 December 2025 09:57, UK
Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in LIV Golf so he can prioritise the needs of his family and stay closer to home.
The American was one of the Saudi-backed tour's signature signings when the controversial league was launched in 2022 and still had one year remaining on his current deal.
During his time as captain of Smash GC, Koepka won five trophies, including individual and team titles.
- LIV Golf expanding tournament format to 72 holes in 2026
- Sky Sports extends PGA Tour partnership to 2029
- Got Sky? Watch golf and more on the Sky Sports app 📱
- Not got Sky? Stream golf and more with no contract 📺
"Koepka is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O'Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans," Koepka's representatives said.
"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."
Can Koepka be lured back to PGA Tour?
Sky Sports News reporter Jamie Weir:
"Koepka has always been about prioritising his family, golf has always been a means to an end for him, it hasn't been his life, his sole purpose has been to look after his family.
"He joined LIV because his body was breaking down. When he fully recovered he was asked if he regretted the decision and intimated he kind of did.
"He was a golfer that seemed to have buyer's remorse, and I don't think his decision to step away comes as a big surprise.
"It would be a great coup for the PGA Tour if they could get back a player of Koepka's stature, a proven champion and one of the greatest players of his generation.
"Is there a pathway back for him? The PGA Tour have intimated in the past that there would be a one-year mandatory suspension served on players from the last LIV event they participated in.
"Koepka's last LIV event was in August, so will it be August 2026 before he's even eligible to play on the PGA Tour again, or will they create a little loophole for the five-time major champion to come back sooner?
"He could play in the DP World Tour and he is exempt for all four major championships next year as well."
Koepka is not currently a member of the DP World Tour and has missed the deadline for applying for membership for the 2026 season.
However, he can ask for special dispensation and - by virtue of being an honorary lifetime member as a major champion - he could be granted this.
He played four times on the DP World Tour this season - at the Irish Open, BMW PGA Championship, French Open and Dunhill Links - all on sponsor invitations.
He could choose this route of relying on DP World Tour invites to bolster his schedule, in addition to the four major championships for which he is exempt.
As he was not a DP World Tour member during his time at LIV, he has no outstanding fines to pay or suspensions to serve.
Gooch to become new captain
Talor Gooch will take over as captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season following Koepka's departure.
He won numerous individual titles in LIV Golf in 2023 after joining the league in the inaugural 2022 season.
"I want to start by thanking Brooks," Gooch said. "He is one of the greatest competitors in the game and I have learned so much from him while being his teammate on Smash GC.
"He's a friend and teammate, and I have great respect for his decision. I wish him, Jena, and their family all the best.
"Looking ahead, I am incredibly honored 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."
Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland
