Fri Dec 26 17:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Brooks Koepka will leave LIV Golf after the 2025 season to prioritize family time. He expresses gratitude to LIV Golf and its leadership and remains a supporter. Talor Gooch will succeed Koepka as Captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season, with LIV Golf citing Gooch’s performance and business acumen as reasons for the appointment. Gooch thanks Koepka and expresses excitement about his new role. LIV Golf highlights the flexibility of its league and its commitment to developing players.

News Article:

Brooks Koepka to Exit LIV Golf, Talor Gooch to Lead Smash GC

Dec. 23, 2025 – In a significant move for the LIV Golf League, Brooks Koepka will depart after the 2025 season, citing a desire to prioritize family and stay closer to home. The announcement, made jointly by LIV Golf and Koepka, emphasizes the amicable nature of the departure.

“Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home,” a statement from Koepka read. He added that he will remain a “huge supporter” of the league.

LIV Golf expressed its appreciation for Koepka’s contributions, noting his “significant impact on the game.”

Stepping into Koepka’s shoes as Captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season will be Talor Gooch. LIV Golf highlighted Gooch’s competitive record, including his 2023 Individual Championship, and his business acumen as qualifications for the leadership role.

“Talor is a world-class talent ready for this leadership role,” LIV Golf stated. “His proven track record as a golfer and his business acumen makes him the ideal player to lead Smash GC into the future.”

Gooch expressed gratitude to Koepka and excitement for the new challenge. “He is one of the greatest competitors in the game and I have learned so much from him… I am incredibly honored and excited to officially take on the Captaincy role for the 2026 season.”

The move reinforces the LIV Golf’s continued commitment to a “healthier, more flexible global golf ecosystem,” which supports players’ rights to compete on their own terms while giving others the opportunity to step into leadership roles.

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