Brooks Koepka: Leaving LIV Golf | Majors | Back to PGA | Age

Brooks Koepka — one of the most formidable golfers of his generation — has sent shockwaves through the sporting world with his departure from LIV Golf. The five-time major champion, known for his power, competitive drive and clutch performances in golf’s biggest moments, has chosen to step away from the Saudi-backed breakaway league. His decision raises pressing questions about his future, his legacy, and whether the PGA Tour will welcome him back — all while his age, competitive form and standing in the golf world evolve.

In this comprehensive breakdown, we explore:

• Why Koepka left LIV Golf

• His major championship legacy

• His age and current competitive standing

• What a PGA Tour return might look like

• FAQs every golf fan wants answered

Why Brooks Koepka Left LIV Golf

In December 2025, LIV Golf announced that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete with the league in 2026. The split was described as amicable and mutually agreed, and Koepka’s priorities were cited as family time and being closer to home rather than competitive motivations alone. 

Koepka, 35, originally joined LIV Golf in 2022 under a blockbuster contract reportedly worth more than $100 million. His signing was one of the biggest coups for the Saudi-funded circuit, which has tried to rival the PGA Tour by luring top stars. 

Despite the financial allure, the veteran American found the touring life — and the league’s structure — less fulfilling than expected. In recent seasons, Koepka struggled for form, finishing 31st in the 2025 individual standings on LIV and missing cuts in several majors. 

His departure — the first high-profile exit from LIV — leaves many wondering if the move signals a renaissance or the beginning of life beyond elite competitive golf.

A Legacy Defined by Majors

What truly distinguishes Koepka’s career is not his LIV stint but his major championship pedigree.

Five Major Championships

Koepka’s major championship résumé includes:

• PGA Championship (2018, 2019, 2023)

• U.S. Open (2017, 2018)

These victories established him as one of the premier big-stage players of the 2010s and early 2020s. Koepka’s ability to elevate his game under pressure — especially in the PGA Championship and U.S. Open — set him apart from his peers. 

Impact on Golf

Koepka’s dominance in majors reshaped the modern era’s narrative. Few players have combined physical strength, strategic acumen and mental fortitude as effectively on golf’s biggest stages. His five majors put him in the company of legends, and — even at 35 — he remains eligible to compete in all four majors for coming seasons, thanks to his PGA Championship exemptions. 

Age and Competitive Form: Where Does Koepka Stand?

At 35 years old, Koepka is in a transitional stage of his career. While many golfers peak in their 30s, injuries and changing priorities have influenced his recent performances.

Physical Prime and Performance

Koepka has long been known for:

• Power off the tee

• A strategic approach to difficult major setups

• Exceptional short-game resilience

These traits helped him dominate majors from 2017 through the early 2020s. However, his form dipped in 2025, marked by early exits in several major tournaments and less consistent play across both LIV and open-field events. 

Age and Experience

Unlike many athletes whose performance dips significantly in their mid-30s, golf professionals often maintain elite play into their 40s. Players like Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh have had competitive success later in life. Koepka’s combination of experience and still-solid physical condition means he could remain competitive at the highest level for several more years — provided he stays motivated and healthy.

Can Koepka Return to the PGA Tour?

The biggest question hanging over Koepka’s departure from LIV Golf is whether he intends to return to the PGA Tour.

Current Status

Koepka must navigate PGA Tour eligibility rules, which traditionally require LIV players to serve a suspension period before reinstatement. The PGA Tour has maintained that players who left for LIV must sit out a set time after competing in non-sanctioned events, although pathways and disciplinary processes exist for return applications. 

Possible Paths Forward

1. Reinstatement to PGA Tour Membership

   • Koepka would need to apply for membership and possibly serve the required hiatus if he wants to compete full time.

   • A reinstatement review includes input from PGA Tour leadership and player directors.

2. Playing Through Exemptions

   • Koepka remains eligible for majors via his 2023 PGA Championship win.

   • He could also compete on other tours, such as the DP World Tour, in the interim. 

3. Selective Scheduling

   • Some experts speculate he may choose limited starts rather than a full season, focusing on majors and key events. Fan and analyst reactions online suggest many believe he could play a handful of high-profile tournaments if reinstatement terms are negotiated.

PGA Tour Considerations

The PGA Tour has signaled openness to dialogue, stating: “Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success.” However, the tour has yet to outline a clear reinstatement timeline. 

Ultimately, Koepka’s competitive future may hinge on mutual willingness between him and the PGA Tour to negotiate terms that balance past LIV participation with the sport’s best interests.

The Personal Side: Family and Off-Course Priorities

Koepka’s decision to leave LIV Golf was influenced heavily by personal factors. Public statements emphasized his desire to spend more time with his family — including his wife, Jena, and their young child — and prioritize life off the tour. 

In 2025, the couple suffered a pregnancy loss, which was openly shared on social media. Personal life events like this can have a profound impact on an athlete’s perspective, especially one who has spent years on travel-intensive tours. 

This human element adds depth to the narrative: Koepka isn’t just an elite athlete — he’s at a crossroads where competitive priorities and personal fulfillment must be balanced.

What This Means for Professional Golf

Koepka’s departure from LIV Golf is significant for several reasons:

• It marks the first major player exit from the LIV circuit under an amicable agreement. 

• It underscores the continued tension between tours and the blurred lines of modern professional golf.

• It fuels speculation about LIV’s long-term strength as a rival tour in the sport.

• It highlights how family and personal well-being influence top athletes’ career decisions.

Koepka’s move could inspire other players to reconsider their long-term commitments and priorities.

FAQs About Brooks Koepka & His Future

1. Why did Brooks Koepka leave LIV Golf?

Koepka opted out of his LIV Golf contract to prioritize family time and stay closer to home. The departure was amicable and mutually agreed with LIV Golf leadership. 

2. Is he the first player to leave LIV Golf?

Yes — Koepka is widely reported as the first significant star player to defect from the LIV Golf League since its launch. 

3. Can Koepka still play in golf’s majors?

Yes. Thanks to his past major victories — especially the 2023 PGA Championship — he has exemptions that make him eligible for the four majors for coming seasons. 

4. Will Brooks return to the PGA Tour?

It’s possible. He would need to navigate reinstatement procedures and potentially serve a waiting period under current PGA Tour rules. 

5. How old is Brooks Koepka?

Brooks Koepka is 35 years old — an age where many golfers remain competitive at elite levels. 

6. What’s next for Koepka’s career?

His next steps are not fully confirmed, but options include rejoining the PGA Tour, competing selectively in majors and international events, or focusing on personal ventures off the main circuit.

Conclusion

Brooks Koepka’s exit from LIV Golf marks a turning point in professional golf’s evolving landscape. A five-time major champion with an intense competitive pedigree, Koepka now faces decisions that will shape the rest of his career — whether it’s reuniting with the PGA Tour, chasing selective victories, or forging a new path rooted in personal life and family.