Koepka's return to the PGA comes weeks after it was announced that he was leaving the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf league. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil and representatives for Koepka, 35, who joined LIV Golf prior to its inaugural 2022 season, both confirmed that he will step away "to spend more time at home" in a statement shared on behalf of his representatives on December 23.

"Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf," his representation said. "He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans. Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home. Brooks will continue to be a huge supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success. Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead."

Koepka served as the captain for the Smash GC team and will be replaced by teammate Talor Gooch for the 2026 season.

"I want to start by thanking Brooks," Gooch said. "He is one of the greatest competitors in the game and I have learned so much from him while being his teammate on Smash GC. He’s a friend and teammate, and I have great respect for his decision. I wish him, Jena, and their family all the best.

"Looking ahead, I am incredibly honored and excited to officially take on the Captaincy role for the 2026 season. I’m excited and ready to embrace this new leadership and career challenge. I’m eager to build on the competitive standard Brooks established and work with our players to lead this team into this next successful chapter."

Koepka, who previously ranked as the world No. 1 golfer as recently as 2020, reportedly informed the PGA TOUR of his plan to leave LIV Golf prior to his announced departure last month, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN. Koepka's PGA reinstatement and disciplinary process was reported to have included "thoughtful input from the board, including player directors," sources reported prior to his announcement.

The Florida native was the first LIV golfer to win five individual competitions, with his most recent victory coming in August 2024, but struggled in 2025, finishing 31st among 54 golfers in the individual points standings. Koepka, who was eligible to appear only in PGA major events as a former champion during his LIV tenure, missed the cut in three of four majors in 2025, having finished 12th in the U.S. Open at Oakmont.

The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon