Rumors of Brooks Koepka‘s desire to leave LIV Golf had been buzzing around way before he actually made the move. But there were no credible sources that could confirm that he actually wanted to exit. However, there was one man who knew what his former captain’s heart desired way before he joined the PGA Tour. And that was Graeme McDowell.

Speaking to Today’s Golfer, McDowell admitted, “I could sense relief in Brooks’ voice. I feel like this just didn’t fit what he wanted to do. He had a tough year in ’25, and he was ready to reset and set his sights on the Green Jacket, the Claret Jug, and winning the career Grand Slam. The majors are what he’s all about, and he felt like he was in a situation out here where he wasn’t where he wanted to be anymore.”

There was a time Koepka had gone on a rampage in the majors. He nearly conquered all four major wins in 2019. The 35-year-old has finished as a runner-up in the Masters Tournament twice. Yet, the Green Jacket and the Claret Jug have always evaded him. It’s high time he conquers those two big events and completes his career Grand Slam as well. And in 2025, Koepka seems to have realized that he can’t do so while playing at LIV Golf.

In fact, last season, he delivered his worst run in the majors. He missed three of the four cuts in the majors. Although the only time he did make the cut, he finished at T12, which shows that he still has it in him. All he needs is the right environment to perform better.

That said, there’s another huge factor that played a key role in convincing him to return.

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Brooks Koepka admits one big reason that made him leave LIV Golf

When he initially joined LIV Golf, Brooks Koepka was all in on the project. He promoted the concept heavily and was involved deeply in helping the league grow. That reflected in him playing a mediator in helping Smash GC sign a deal with his sponsor, Nike.

However, his commitment towards the league reduced over time. By 2024, he seemed less enthusiastic about being a part of the LIV Golf setup. Koepka stopped wearing the club’s merch during majors. He instead preferred wearing his Nike gear. In 2025, his form also dipped as he struggled to achieve a favorable result throughout the season.

Koepka finally explained what went wrong over the last few years. In an interview, he told the media, “I think the ability to have my family out all the time. I think that was one thing because they didn’t travel too much over the last few years. But like they’re going to be out this week, so I am super excited to be able to have them out.”

Playing on a global Tour like LIV Golf, it’s difficult to manage his career and also have enough family time. But playing on the PGA Tour allows him to stay close to home more often. That certainly gives a clearer picture on why he couldn’t wait another season to complete his contract before returning.