Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour is a significant hit to LIV Golf, and the Saudi-backed league has taken notice. The five-time major winner has become the first high-profile player to leave LIV, and his exit could have lasting consequences for the league’s future.
Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour is a significant hit to LIV Golf, and the Saudi-backed league has taken notice.
The five-time major winner has become the first high-profile player to leave LIV, and his exit could have lasting consequences for the league’s future.
Koepka will pay $5 million to charity as part of the move and will give up sponsor exemptions for five years. Similar deals have been offered to Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith as the PGA Tour tries to lure more top players back.
Despite his departure casting doubt on LIV’s future, Koepka still seems well-liked among its players. But what about two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson? Does he feel the same way?
How Bubba Watson reacted to Brooks Koepka’s LIV Golf departure
There was plenty of anger from the PGA Tour when Koepka and several others first made the switch to LIV Golf. Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods were among those who spoke out, making their feelings clear.
LIV has always pushed the idea of players having freedom over their careers, so coming down hard on Koepka for leaving would have gone against everything the league claims to stand for. Instead, Rahm, DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson were supportive of his decision.
Watson shared a similar view when asked about it by The Mirror. He said: “The league’s in a great spot. One person’s not going to dictate what the league’s doing.
“The beauty is, though, now he gets to spend more time with his family. That’s what he wants. And so that’s good.
“It’s great for him as a friend. I hope he has a great time, and it’s great that he’s still playing professional golf. LIV has always been about pathways to play other tours, and so it’s great.”
LIV told Koepka he could walk away whenever he wanted, as there were already doubts about how committed he was from early on in his time there. The focus for LIV now will be on holding onto DeChambeau and Rahm beyond 2027.
Bubba Watson shares what he is targeting most in 2026
When Watson joined LIV Golf, he already had a strong record with 12 PGA Tour wins and two major titles. But since then, his Range Goats team has not reached those same heights.
He did come close at LIV UK, finishing second and even earning praise from LeBron James. Still, an individual title has eluded him so far.
Watson spoke about his goals for the coming year: “Well, I want to win on LIV. I haven’t lifted an individual trophy on LIV or a team trophy. I’ve lifted a team trophy, but not a championship.
“I would love to lift a championship trophy for a team on LIV. That would be another notch on the belt.”
With Koepka now gone and no major new names joining the tour this offseason, there may be fewer obstacles between Watson and that goal.
Category: General Sports
