Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has become the first star player to leave Saudi-backed LIV Golf, returning to the PGA Tour amid growing uncertainty for the breakaway series. His departure in December highlights tensions in professional golf, with other players like Patrick Reed considering similar moves. As LIV prepares for its fifth season in February, questions swirl about its financial sustainability and ability to retain top talent.
Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf, which disrupted professional golf by spending billions to attract top players since 2022, faces an uncertain future following Brooks Koepka's exit. The five-time major winner, who joined LIV in 2022 and was subsequently banned from the PGA Tour, announced his departure in December to prioritize "the needs of his family." He applied for reinstatement under the PGA Tour's new 'Returning Member Programme,' available to major winners since 2022, which includes severe financial penalties—reportedly up to £63m for Koepka, who earned around £125m from LIV.
PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp described the initiative as "part of our commitment to fans who expect the world's best players to compete on the PGA Tour week in, week out," adding that the tour would "continue to aggressively pursue anything that enhances the fan experience." Koepka expressed belief in the PGA Tour's direction, citing "new leadership, new investors and an equity program that gives players a meaningful ownership stake."
The move has sparked speculation of an exodus. Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, told the Daily Telegraph he would consider returning to "the best tour in the world" if conditions were relaxed. However, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith—the other LIV players eligible for the programme—have indicated they will stay. DeChambeau, with one season left on his contract, reportedly demands $500m (£372m) to remain and posted a cryptic social media image beside an 'exit' sign, asking followers, 'What would you do?' He stated, "I'm contracted through 2026, so excited about this year."
This comes after a stalled 2023 framework agreement for a merger between the tours, which ended litigation threats but failed to materialize despite talks hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House. Tiger Woods called it "a first move, which is a great move," toward unification. Rory McIlroy criticized LIV's lack of new signings, saying, "They haven't signed anyone who moves the needle and I don't think they will," deeming a unified sport unlikely.
LIV chief executive Scott O'Neil remains optimistic, insisting, "I love where we are. We're in really good shape as we walk into 2026," and denying any 'holy war.' The series plans a 72-hole format for its 14 events across 10 countries, aiming for world ranking points in 2026. A LIV statement affirmed its "vision remains unchanged - to grow the game of golf globally."
Yet challenges persist. An anonymous Saudi source noted a "shift" in Public Investment Fund (PIF) priorities toward AI and tech, questioning LIV's sustainability amid $461.8m losses in international markets in 2024 and over $1.1bn total since 2021. PIF's investment nears $5bn, with broadcast rights raising just $2.7m. Others insist sport remains a priority in PIF's upcoming 2026-30 strategy. LIV highlights successes like 50% of ticket buyers under 45 (half women), a record 100,000 spectators in Adelaide, and $1bn in global economic impact. It retains players such as Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson. A European golf source warned that if Rahm, Smith, or DeChambeau leave, it could spell "game over" for LIV.
