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Mark Schlabach
5-time main champion Brooks Koepka is not returning to LIV Golf in 2026, the league introduced Tuesday.
Koepka, 35, will probably be changed by Talor Gooch as captain of Smash GC, LIV Golf League CEO Scott O’Neil stated in a press release.
“We have now amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will not compete within the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season,” O’Neil stated. “Brooks is prioritizing the wants of his household and staying nearer to residence. We recognize the numerous influence he has had on the sport and want him continued success, each on and off the course.”
The previous world No. 1 signed with the Saudi Arabian-financed breakaway league in June 2022. He reportedly had one yr left on his contract, which was value greater than $100 million.
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In a press release, Koepka’s administration group thanked Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund; O’Neil and LIV Golf League’s administration group; his teammates; and followers.
“Household has all the time guided Brooks’ choices, and he feels that is the fitting second to spend extra time at residence,” Koepka’s administration group stated. “Brooks will proceed to be an enormous supporter of LIV Golf and desires the league and its gamers continued success. Brooks stays passionate concerning the recreation of golf and can maintain followers up to date on what’s forward.”
Koepka’s spouse, Jena, introduced on social media in October that she had suffered a miscarriage at 16 weeks. The couple has a 2-year-old son, Crew.
It stays unclear when Koepka could be permitted to return to the PGA Tour if he needs to take action. Former PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan suspended golfers who competed in LIV Golf tournaments with out conflicting-event releases.
“Brooks Koepka is a extremely completed skilled, and we want him and his household continued success,” the PGA Tour stated in a press release. “The PGA Tour continues to supply the perfect skilled golfers essentially the most aggressive, difficult and profitable atmosphere during which to pursue greatness.”
Sources instructed ESPN that Koepka knowledgeable the PGA Tour of his plan to depart LIV Golf earlier than asserting his departure Tuesday. He must formally reapply for PGA Tour membership if he desires to return; he did not renew his membership earlier than the 2022-23 season, the sources stated.
If Koepka reapplies for PGA Tour membership, the tour will begin the reinstatement and disciplinary course of, which can embody “considerate enter from the board, together with participant administrators,” the supply stated.
The PGA Tour doesn’t publicly disclose or touch upon disciplinary issues.
Koepka grew to become the primary LIV Golf participant to win 5 particular person competitions, most lately at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in August 2024.
He struggled mightily this previous season, although, ending thirty first amongst 54 golfers within the seasonlong particular person factors standings. Koepka was runner-up in a event in Singapore in March however did not end within the prime 15 in his final eight begins.
Koepka missed the lower in three of the 4 majors this previous season; he tied for twelfth within the U.S. Open at Oakmont Nation Membership in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
Koepka’s kind was higher within the final two of his 4 begins on the DP World Tour; he was fourth within the Open de France in Paris and tied for fifteenth within the Alfred Dunhill Hyperlinks Championship at Carnoustie Golf Hyperlinks in Scotland.
If Koepka does not return to the PGA Tour this coming season, he nonetheless can be eligible to play within the 4 majors due to his five-year exemption for profitable the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Nation Membership in Rochester, New York.
“I wish to begin by thanking Brooks,” Gooch stated in a press release. “He is without doubt one of the biggest rivals within the recreation, and I’ve realized a lot from him whereas being his teammate on Smash GC. He is a good friend and teammate, and I’ve nice respect for his choice. I want him, Jena, and their household all the perfect.”
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