Brooks Koepka Reveals Why He Quit LIV Golf To Return to the PGA Tour

Sonali SV

January 27, 2026 | 2:21 PM EST

Brooks Koepka Reveals Why He Quit LIV Golf To Return to the PGA Tour

Brooks Koepka has shared the main reason behind his decision to leave LIV Golf and return to the PGA Tour, saying the move was driven by what mattered most to him and his family.

The five-time major champion officially rejoined the PGA Tour earlier this month through the newly introduced Returning Member Program and is set to make his comeback at the Farmers Insurance Open later this week. Koepka had spent three and a half seasons with LIV Golf after joining the league in 2022.

Speaking ahead of his return Koepka made it clear the choice was not about golf alone.

“It’s what was best for me and for my family,” he said.

Koepka explained that family considerations played the biggest role in his decision especially after several personal changes over the past few months.

“Just my family. A lot has gone on over the past five or six months with my family and that played a big role in coming back. Having conversations with my wife, my team and being able to make that decision to come back was, I guess tough conversations but it was what was best for me and best for my family,” Koepka said.

His return comes under a one time PGA Tour program created for players who have won a major or The Players Championship since 2022. While the pathway allows Koepka back on Tour, it comes with strict conditions.

Koepka must make a $5 million donation to a charity chosen with help from the Tour. He will also miss out on FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026, won’t receive sponsor invites into the $20 million Signature Events, and will not be eligible for PGA Tour equity grants for the next five years.

According to PGA Tour estimates, the financial impact of those restrictions could range between $50 million and $85 million, depending on Koepka’s future results. Even with the heavy penalties, Koepka made it clear that returning to the PGA Tour was the right decision for his life beyond golf.

Brooks Koepka looks to move past tensions ahead of the comeback

Brooks Koepka admitted earlier this month that his return to the PGA Tour hasn’t been smooth with everyone.

Speaking to ESPN in a phone interview, Koepka said some players were supportive, while others were unhappy with how things played out after his move to LIV Golf. He also acknowledged that the penalties handed down by the Tour were meant to be tough.

“I’ve got a lot of work to do with some of the players. There’s definitely guys who are happy, and definitely guys who will be angry. It’s a harsh punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did that — it’s meant to hurt. But it [his departure] hurt a lot of people.

“If anyone is upset, I need to rebuild those relationships.”

Koepka now turns his attention to the Farmers Insurance Open, where he will return in a strong field featuring Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose, Hideki Matsuyama, Keegan Bradley, J.J. Spaun and Ludvig Åberg.

His record at the Farmers has not been great, with just one made cut in four starts. Still, he has shown he can handle Torrey Pines, finishing tied fourth at the 2021 U.S. Open on the same course.

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