Major blow to LIV golf as big star decides to leave

Problems are piling up for LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed golf circuit that features several of the sport’s biggest names, including Spain’s Jon Rahm, as the 2026 season reaches its final stretch. On Tuesday, the competition received a major blow that could yet shape its future: the departure of one of its leading players, the American Brooks Koepka.

Why is Brooks Koepka leaving LIV?

Koepka, 35, a two-time US Open champion and three-time winner of the PGA Championship, has announced through his representatives that he is leaving LIV Golf with immediate effect. In the statement explaining his decision, his camp said that “family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels that now is the right time to spend more time at home.”

LIV Golf also commented on the move, with the circuit’s chief executive, Scott O’Neil, saying the exit was “amicable and mutually agreed”, while stressing “the significant impact Brooks has had on golf” and wishing him continued success both on and off the course.

Koepka’s departure represents a major win for the PGA Tour, which issued a statement shortly after the news broke, welcoming the golfer’s decision and expressing hope of his return to the circuit. “Brooks Koepka is a highly successful professional, and we wish him and his family continued success. The PGA TOUR continues to offer the world’s best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to achieve greatness.”

For now, the final decision of Koepka remains unknown, but his exit has already triggered an earthquake within the Saudi-backed circuit.

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