In a dramatic move that has sent shockwaves through professional golf, five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has announced his departure from the LIV Golf series. The American star's exit after three years with the Saudi-backed circuit immediately fuels speculation of a potential return to the PGA Tour, where his friend and rival Rory McIlroy has consistently voiced his admiration for him.
Koepka's Shock Exit and Tour Eligibility
Koepka, 35, was a pivotal figure in golf's great divide when he joined LIV Golf in the summer of 2022. His representatives confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating the decision was guided by family. "Family has always guided Brooks' decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home. Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf," the statement read.
However, a return to the PGA Tour will not be immediate. Due to the Tour's suspension policy for players who competed on the rival circuit, Koepka will not be eligible to play on the PGA Tour until August 2026, marking a year since his last LIV appearance. He retains exemptions to compete in all four major championships and can participate on the DP World Tour.
McIlroy's Enduring Admiration and Public Friendship
Throughout the tours' rivalry, Rory McIlroy has never hidden his respect for Koepka. Their strong relationship could prove significant if Koepka seeks a PGA Tour return. This mutual respect was famously captured on Netflix's Full Swing documentary in 2023, when McIlroy congratulated Koepka on winning his third PGA Championship in a car park embrace, shouting, "Brooks! Brooks! I am really happy for you."
Koepka has previously explained the roots of their bond, noting he looked up to McIlroy when first coming up on tour. "Our friendship has just developed over the years," Koepka said last year. "I’ve enjoyed playing with him, playing against him... We practice at the same place. Live in the same area. How could you not?"
A History of Mutual Respect and On-Course Inspiration
Defying the sport's divisions, the pair enjoyed a practice round together at the 2023 Masters, their first in a year. McIlroy commented afterwards, "It's OK to get on with Brooks and DJ [Dustin Johnson] and maybe not get on with some other guys that went to it."
The admiration is profoundly professional. McIlroy once confessed he used Koepka's game as a blueprint after being outplayed by him at the 2019 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. McIlroy held a one-shot lead but Koepka shot a 65 to win. McIlroy admitted, "Brooks went out there in Memphis and shot 65 and just basically dominated the tournament, dominated me. And I realised if I want to become the dominant player in the world again, I need to be more like that."
As the golf world digests Koepka's seismic decision, the door is now ajar for one of the game's most formidable talents to rejoin the PGA Tour fold, potentially with the backing of one of its biggest stars.
