In a surprising turn of events, Brooks Koepka has announced his departure from LIV Golf after four seasons, citing family reasons for his decision. Koepka, a five-time major winner, will be replaced by Talor Gooch as captain of Smash GC ahead of the 2026 season. The future of Koepka in professional golf remains uncertain, with speculation around a potential return to the PGA Tour, which has reacted vagely to his departure. Koepka is the first major player to defect from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, raising questions about the implications of his exit and what comes next for both him and the tour.