When Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf to return to the PGA Tour, the tables turned.
Whereas previously it was PGA Tour players who were being asked whether they were still friendly with those jumping ship to LIV Golf, now it’s LIV players facing the same questions.
Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour poses an existential threat to the Saudi-backed league, paving the way for other stars. LIV’s foundations are built on its star power, so it’s hard to see how the league survives a mass exodus back to the tour.
One player who is unlikely to leave LIV is six-time major winner Phil Mickelson. Mickelson has been one of the most ardent supporters of LIV since its inception in 2022, so it’s easy to see how Koepka’s departure could affect their relationship. That was put to Mickelson at a LIV Golf press conference, and he revealed if the pair are still friendly after the move.
Phil Mickelson shares his thoughts on Brooks Koepka after PGA Tour return
LIV Golf supporters often cite professional golfers’ freedom of choice as a reason to believe in the new circuit. Many believe that players should have more freedom to decide where they play golf.
That’s why people, like Mickelson, think that LIV has had a positive impact on the sport, presenting a competitive alternative to the PGA Tour for players. But there are two sides to that coin, and Koepka has decided that playing on LIV isn’t what’s best for his career.
And Mickelson supports that decision completely. Speaking to reporters, he was asked for his reaction to the Koepka news, and replied:
“I think we’re all friends. I consider Brooks a friend, and whatever he thinks is best for him and his family, I fully support.”
How will Brooks Koepka perform during the 2026 PGA Tour season?
Could he really win this year?
Koepka brokered a deal with the PGA Tour, which allowed him to return. He will make a $5 million charitable donation, he won’t receive any FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026, and he won’t be eligible for sponsor exemptions to $20 million signature events for five years.
That same deal was offered to any player who has won a major or The Players Championship since 2022. That’s a shortlist of Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith. Noticeably, Mickelson has been omitted from the deal, as he last won a major in 2021.
Mickelson reacted to this with laughing emojis on social media, so he doesn’t seem too bothered. The American was asked if he thought he was deliberately left out of the PGA Tour’s criteria.
He responded: “I don’t know. I’m having so much fun out here. I love playing out here on LIV. I love being with the guys. But like I say, Brooks is a friend of mine, and if it’s the best thing for him and his family and he feels it’s the best, I fully support it. But I could not be happier out here.”
Phil Mickelson was completely wrong about LIV Golf when Brooks Koepka first signed
When Koepka initially signed with LIV Golf in 2022, Mickelson said the decision to join was about picking a winner between the PGA Tour and LIV.
He was confident that he had chosen the winning side, saying, “I think going forward, you have to pick a side. You have to pick what side do you think is going to be successful. And I firmly believe that I’m on the winning side of how things are going to evolve and shape in the coming years for professional golf.
“We play against a lot of the best players in the world on LIV and there are a lot of the best players in the world on the PGA Tour. And… until both sides sit down and have a conversation and work something out, both sides are going to continue to change and evolve.
How will history reflect on Phil Mickelson?
Golf's most polarising player?
“And I see LIV Golf trending upwards, I see the PGA Tour trending downwards, and I love the side that I’m on.”
In 2025, the PGA Tour stole all the momentum from LIV. Their players won all four majors, only three LIV players made the Ryder Cup, and they were streets ahead in viewership.
Koepka leaving is the first glaring sign that players are beginning to lose faith in the league, and if this is all about choosing the winning side as Mickelson said in 2022, then it’s becoming increasingly clear where players’ loyalty should lie.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
