Brooks Koepka responds when asked about LIV Golf’s farcical current situation
TL;DR
Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf in December and rejoined the PGA Tour a month later, benefiting from the new 'Returning Member Program'. His timing appears to be fortuitous amid LIV Golf's current challenges.
Key points
- Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf in December.
- He rejoined the PGA Tour one month later.
- The 'Returning Member Program' facilitated his return.
- Koepka's timing appears advantageous.
- LIV Golf is facing significant challenges.
Mentioned in this story
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf in December and rejoined the PGA Tour just one month later.
And it seems like Koepka jumped ship from LIV Golf at just the right time.
The five-time major champion was allowed to make his way back to the PGA Tour after Brian Rolapp created the ‘Returning Member Program’.
Koepka had to pay a $5 million fee to charity as part of the deal and is not exempt to play in any of the PGA Tour‘s Signature Events until he qualifies for them.
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Since the 35-year-old has returned to the PGA Tour, LIV Golf has been thrown into complete disarray.
Rumors surfaced last week that LIV Golf could fold imminently, with Saudi Arabia’s PIF considering withdrawing their funding of the project.
Brooks Koepka responds when asked about LIV Golf’s situation
LIV Golf’s current situation is, quite frankly, shambolic.
Despite Scott O’Neil insisting that everything is fine and that the show will go on, it’s hard to envisage a world where LIV Golf survives is the Saudis pull the plug on their funding.
So, what does Koepka think about it all?
The 35-year-old Floridian addressed the media on Wednesday alongside Shane Lowry ahead of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
The PGA Tour star was asked what he thinks about LIV Golf’s current situation and whether he has spoken to any of his former colleagues.
Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
*“*Yeah, I’m not there, so I can’t speak for anything they’re doing,” Koepka said.
“I’ve talked to a few guys just through text, but that’s it. Everybody seems — as long as everybody is okay, we’re okay.“
LIV Golf is fighting a losing battle
If PIF do pull out of funding LIV Golf, how on earth will Scott O’Neil attract new investors to a product that has been hemorrhaging money over the past four years?
It will surely be an almost impossible task.
Bryson DeChambeau is said to have sounded out PGA Tour officials at Augusta National two weeks ago to see how the land lies.
That has been denied by some sources inside LIV Golf, but why wouldn’t he do that, with the future of the league so uncertain?
Even if LIV does manage to survive, the PGA Tour has proven to be a far superior product over the past few years.
LIV Golf is fighting a losing battle and Koepka clearly got out at the right time, in my opinion.
Q&A
Why did Brooks Koepka leave LIV Golf?
Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf to rejoin the PGA Tour, likely seeking better competitive opportunities.
What is the 'Returning Member Program' in golf?
The 'Returning Member Program' allows former PGA Tour members like Koepka to rejoin the tour after leaving for LIV Golf.
What challenges is LIV Golf currently facing?
LIV Golf is experiencing significant issues that have led to speculation about its future and viability in the professional golf landscape.
