Reports suggest Brooks Koepka may consider leaving LIV Golf despite being under contract through 2026.
As the initial contracts of LIV Golf players begin to expire, speculation is mounting that some stars may return to their former tours. One of the biggest names in the mix is five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022. While players like Dustin Johnson have publicly extended their LIV commitments, Koepka has remained tight-lipped about his future.
Koepka’s Decision Could Have Major Implications
According to four sources cited by Josh Carpenter of the Sports Business Journal, Koepka may be considering an early exit from LIV Golf, despite being under contract through 2026. Such a move could cost the 35-year-old up to $20 million in forfeited prize money, as per LIV’s regulations.
However, Koepka would retain eligibility for major championships and the DP World Tour, thanks to his 2023 PGA Championship win. He could also use the time to serve a potential one-year suspension from the PGA Tour, paving the way for a return in August 2026.
Many LIV players seeking to return to the PGA Tour have faced suspensions of up to a year, though legal proceedings are still ongoing. The exact penalties remain unclear, especially for players like Koepka, who previously held PGA Tour status. His last LIV appearance was in August 2025 in Indianapolis, and he may compete on the DP World Tour during any suspension period.
Scott O’Neil: ‘He Has a Contract Through 2026’
Amid growing rumors, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil addressed the speculation in an interview with Carpenter, stating, “I know that’s not what you want to hear, it’s about individual players, and that’s our approach—we’ll work through it. We haven’t announced any players yet, but he has a contract through 2026.” His comments neither confirmed nor denied Koepka’s intentions, leaving the door open for further speculation.
Koepka’s move to LIV in 2023 was one of the league’s most high-profile acquisitions, reportedly costing around $100 million. Once ranked world No. 1 in 2018, Koepka’s performance has since declined. He won the Wanamaker event at Oak Hill in 2023 but failed to secure a victory in 2025. At the majors, he missed the cut in three of four events, with a T12 finish at the U.S. Open being his best result.