Saturday, April 18, 2026

Brooks Koepka Latest To Leave PGA Tour For LIV

  • Koepka is reportedly taking a seven-figure deal from the Saudi-backed league.
  • The 32-year-old has earned $38M in his career.
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

On the heels of a thrilling U.S. Open that saw Matt Fitzpatrick take home $3.2 million and his first major title, the LIV defections are back — and bigger than ever.

On Tuesday, four-time major champion Brooks Koepka became the latest golfer to defect from the PGA Tour to the LIV Golf Series, according to the Telegraph. He’s expected to debut June 30 at the next LIV event in Portland, Oregon.

Also making their debuts at the event are Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed, as well as Abraham Ancer, who left the Tour on Sunday, per ESPN Deportes.

Koepka is supposedly taking a seven-figure deal to join the Saudi-backed league, per the Telegraph — a controversial jump that could revitalize his career.

  • He has $38M in career earnings — but only $1.3M for the 2021-22 season.
  • The 32-year-old has battled knee and hip injuries in recent years — and hasn’t won a major since the 2019 PGA Championship.
  • His last PGA Tour win was at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February 2021.

Koepka’s younger brother, Chase, was one of the first to join LIV — but may have only gotten the invite because of his last name, having mostly played on lower-tier tours for a world ranking of 1,607.

But the elder Koepka’s decision marks the crest of a new wave of defections that was once rumored to include Collin Morikawa.

However, the World No. 4 officially tweeted that he is staying with the Tour.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 4, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Byeong Hun An in action during the first round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.

LIV Golf CEO: League Looking for New Investors

Scott O’Neil admitted LIV will need to raise money moving forward.
LIV Golf livestream

LIV Golf Loses Mexico Livestream for Nearly Three Hours

The league’s broadcast feeds were down for more than an hour.

LIV Golf’s Future: Three Big Questions If Saudi Funding Dries Up

LIV players could be seeking a return to the PGA Tour.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.

French Open Will Allow Wearables Like Whoop on ‘Trial Basis’

The trial will extend to the US Open and Wimbledon.
Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) throws to first against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Citizens Bank Park.
April 14, 2026

Alec Bohm’s Family Feud Heats Up As Parents Push Back

The third baseman claims his parents took advantage of him.
April 15, 2026

Sophia Wilson on Returning to Soccer With a Million-Dollar Deal

Wilson became the NWSL’s first million-dollar player this offseason.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Jan 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to shoot a jump shot against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Chase Center.
April 14, 2026

Steph Curry Auctions 75 Pairs of Shoes As Sneaker Free Agency Looms

Sneakers Curry wore to a 2010 game are going for more than $50,000.
April 14, 2026

Valkyries GM Avoids Questions After Draft Trade: ‘I’m Exhausted’

Golden State traded Flau’jae Johnson to Seattle for two second-rounders.
April 13, 2026

Azzi Fudd Gets $500K Salary As WNBA No. 1 Pick

The new CBA sets a $500,000 salary for the first pick.
April 13, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz Cracks Top 4 in Career Earnings Despite Loss

Jannik Sinner reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking.