• Brooks Koepka quits LIV Golf ahead of the 2026 season to prioritize family.
• The departure is seen as amicable, with Talor Gooch set to become the new captain of Smash GC.
• Koepka’s future in relation to the PGA Tour remains uncertain, with a possible return hinted at.

Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, has officially parted ways with LIV Golf to focus on "the needs of his family." This decision comes just ahead of the 2026 season and occurs despite having one year left on his contract, which was reportedly valued at $100 million. LIV Golf leadership, including CEO Scott O'Neil, confirmed that the split was mutually agreed upon, emphasizing Koepka's significant impact on the game of golf and wishing him "continued success" both on and off the course, according to BBC and SCMP.

In his departure statement, Koepka expressed gratitude towards LIV Golf's leadership and reaffirmed his passion for golf. His decision follows a challenging personal moment as his wife recently suffered a miscarriage, underscoring the emotional weight behind his choice to step back from competitive play, as reported by Al Jazeera and SCMP.

During his time with LIV, Koepka experienced both success and challenges, including a noteworthy victory at the 2023 PGA Championship, which bolstered LIV's credibility amidst criticism over its format and competition level. Although he has yet to declare his intentions regarding the PGA Tour, he has been eligible to play in all four major championships due to his recent success, per BBC and Al Jazeera.

While Koepka's departure shifts the landscape of LIV Golf, Talor Gooch is set to take over the captaincy of Smash GC, creating further changes within the team dynamic as they prepare for the new season. LIV Golf continues to portray itself as a legitimate competitor to established tours, a sentiment echoed by O'Neil's comments on fostering a supportive environment for players, according to SCMP and BBC.