Dan Zaksheske
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One of the biggest defectors from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf was four-time major champion Brooks Koepka. He hasn’t played in an event with PGA players since The Open in July. But, he’ll tee it up at the Masters this week.
Koepka joined the Saudi-backed tour about 10 months ago. Prior to his defection, Koepka was considered one of the best major golf tournament players in the world. He won back-to-back US Open Championships in 2017 and 2018. He also won back-to-back PGA Championships in 2018 and 2019.
In 2021, one season before leaving the PGA Tour, Koepka finished tied for second at the US Open, tied for fourth at the PGA Championship and tied for sixth at The Open Championship.
Since then, though, he’s been cut at the Masters, finished outside the Top 50 in both the US Open and PGA Championship and then got cut at the The Open.
In fact, Koepka has been cut in back-to-back Masters since tying for seventh in 2020 and tying for second in 2019.
With his recent run of struggles in majors, there are questions about whether or not he can still win at a high level.
Brooks Koepka wins LIV Golf event one week before Masters
Trying to put that behind him, Koepka won LIV Golf Invitational – Orlando, his second victory in six events. But, if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around, does it make a sound?
If someone wins a LIV Golf event and no one watches, does it really count?
Admittedly, I’m writing about it, but that’s only because I saw it on Twitter. I had no idea there was a LIV Golf event this weekend.
Most LIV golfers claim there’s no animosity between PGA Tour players and themselves, but that seems unlikely.
Professional golf is better when all the best players are in the same “league.” That’s what is going to make the Masters so interesting.
If Augusta National has any sense of humor, they’ll pair Koepka with an outspoken critic of LIV Golf. Someone, like say, Rory McIlroy.
Masters pairings are always interesting to see. But this year, they take on even more meaning.
C’mon Augusta National, let’s have some fun!
Follow Dan Zaksheske on Twitter: @RealDanZak
All the top 50 players are well-acquainted with one another. LIV or PGA Tour … “friends and not-friends” are established. If there’s trash talking these guys are used to it … and used to Majors Pressure. “the media” will do what “the media” always does … create stories where no story exists.
I actually prefer the presentation of the Liv tour. The broadcasts aren’t a Sunday afternoon sedative when you need a nap, assuming you’re a golfer.
I tend to agree; media creates stories where no story exists. Besides Rory and a handful of guys, no one on the PGA is really that outspoken about LIV players and their decision to make more money with a better schedule. Lot of these dudes are still friends or were never friends to begin with.
Went to LIV Orlando on Saturday. Besides MOT/parking and the concession situation, it was well done overall. Really solid crowd and the shotgun start made the play go fast. No one has to get up at 7AM to tee off and the crowds are pretty well spread out, rather than everyone stacking up at 18. Team format makes things interesting as well. After Koepka sunk the winning put, Munoz had a put to secure his team’s points win.