Nine months ago, rumors started flying when Fred Couples claimed Brooks Koepka wanted to leave LIV. On December 23, Koepka left with one year remaining on his contract, citing personal family reasons. Though LIV Golf claimed the split was amicable and mutual, its recent statement, after a twisted turn of events, hints otherwise.

“From the outset, LIV Golf has championed an open ecosystem and freedom for all. Not just for a limited few. One that supports players’ rights to compete across various platforms, reinforcing the belief that the growth of the game is best served when the game’s best players are empowered to seek the most competitive environments around the world,” the statement read, claiming it remains the best place for golfers to compete in a challenging and lucrative environment set at a global scale. “Long LIV Golf,” the post concluded.

For the 5x major winner, staying close to family matters, but competitive fires were clearly burning elsewhere. Fans only had to wait sixteen days before Koepka officially asked for his PGA Tour job back on January 9, 2026. For this, the Tour opened a special door called the ‘Returning Member Program.’ And now, he will begin his new journey at the Farmers Insurance Open on January 29, 2026. The above statement came in response to this.

This move shows that for Koepka, history matters more than just LIV’s substantial financial backing. He released an emotional statement after the Tour’s decision, thanking his family and team. He also mentioned that he had always dreamed about competing on the PGA Tour, and now he is just as excited to return to play closer to home, where his family truly needs him. He also accepted the massive financial penalties that came with his big decision to return.

As of LIV’s statement, it appears that its vision remains unchanged even after losing one of its top golfers, but it is easily noticeable that the league’s fancy language is somewhat trying to hide its failures. LIV Golf is now shifting to 72-hole events to fix its reputation as an exhibition, and in its quest to get OWGR. Saying ‘Long LIV Golf’ sounds like a desperate prayer, and this corporate spin could not stop the world from seeing the cracks in their foundation.

The Fore Play podcast shared this statement and asked fans for their honest thoughts. The internet responded with laughter and sharp jokes.

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The credibility crisis is why the world is mocking LIV Golf

The crowd quickly noticed that losing a player like Koepka spells huge trouble for the future. One person shared their dark prediction by saying, “LIV is going to fold by 2027.”

As Brandel Chamblee says, the 5x major winner going to LIV gave it legitimacy and credibility. He was one of the top names in 2022, and now, when someone like him is leaving with one year left on his contract, he is taking away that credibility with him and sparking questions about LIV Golf’s competitiveness.

One fan repeated the same sentiment, writing, “Short LIV golf,” while another wrote, “lol it’s so over.”

Some fans who believe the rebel league was just a tool to fix the PGA Tour’s problems explained the situation with a bold take. “LIV was a means to an end. It created competition for the PGA and forced them to up their incentives and share revenue the way they should have been all along. LIV will fold, and the PGA will expand the TGL to have actual tournaments with teams.”

Before LIV, the Tour primarily had no competition. The purses were low, and there was no financial motivation for golfers to compete. Now, in the last 3 years, the Tour has introduced signature events to boost the prize money, including the PEP and Comcast bonuses, motivating golfers.

Then come the fans who never liked LIV. They are not surprised by this messy breakup. As one fan said, “My thoughts haven’t changed since day one; I don’t care about their product or their money.”

The new ‘Returning Member Program’ has created another high-stakes race that no one saw coming. As per the latest reports, the other eligible players alongside Koepka were Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith. This window only stays open until the strict February 2 deadline. If they do not jump now, they might find themselves locked out of history forever. The pressure is mounting, and one fan summed it up best.

“I wonder how Rahm Bryson and or Cam could come back by PGA Tours deadline. Bet their phones were blowing up once Brooks announcement dropped.”

How do you think the future of LIV Golf and the PGA Tour looks like? Share your thoughts in the comments below.