Before Brooks Koepka’s departure, the ‘Scientist’ was already the face of the LIV Golf league. Now he holds all the trump cards. A closer look.
The latest news first: Brooks Koepka’s first appearance at the Torrey Pines driving range was met with neither hostility nor warmth from former and renewed colleagues. At most, the LIV returnee faced friendly indifference. Even Wyndham Clark, a known skeptic of the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program, remained unremarkable in behavior.
Phone Call with Tiger Woods
\”I’m excited. There will definitely be players who are happy, and definitely players who will be angry. Some won’t be happy with how everything went,\” the 35-year-old had previously noted. Yesterday at the press conference for the Farmers Insurance Open, he graciously thanked for the opportunity and revealed who his first call was to upon receiving approval to leave LIV: Tiger Woods, the powerful figure behind the scenes at Ponte Vedra Beach.
\”I wasn’t quite sure how to handle things with the PGA Tour, and Tiger was the first person who came to mind, as I’ve always had a good relationship with him.\” Koepka clearly knows whose endorsement truly matters…
LIV Golf’s Changed Dynamics After Koepka’s Exit
But wait, isn’t this article about Bryson DeChambeau? Yes, but the Koepka case serves as a necessary introduction. The departure of the Florida giant has gravely changed the structure of the LIV Golf League, instantly removing 33.3% of its valuable assets.
Koepka was a major public figure to build credibility with — a five-time major champion with the glamorous Jena Sims at his side, one of only two LIV players who won a major during their time in the rival circuit. The other is DeChambeau, US Open champion of 2020 and 2024, and a remarkable figure in many ways.
Only DeChambeau and Rahm as Key Assets
The third valuable asset is arguably Jon Rahm, appreciated not only from a European perspective. Beyond them, LIV’s roster fades into insignificance, with occasional contributions from Sergio Garcia and Joaquin Niemann.
Patrick Reed stands out mostly due to his controversial reputation, despite recently winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Dustin Johnson missing the cut in the same tournament was barely noticed. Tyrrell Hatton is clearly more interesting than Cameron Smith. And who exactly is Phil Mickelson again?
Rory McIlroy is right when he says: \”They haven’t signed anyone who moves the needle, and I don’t think they will.\”
Majors and YouTube: DeChambeau’s Potential Future
This brings us finally to Bryson DeChambeau. LIV lives by and through the 32-year-old naturalized Texan. The reverse is not necessarily true. BDC recently mentioned that he could imagine playing only the majors for the rest of his career, dedicating the rest of his time to his You