Even before Koepka’s departure, the ‘Scientist’ was the face of LIV Golf. Now, he holds all the cards. An in-depth look.
The latest news first: Brooks Koepka’s first appearance at the driving range in Torrey Pines was met with friendly indifference by former and renewed colleagues. Even sceptic Wyndham Clark remained unremarkable regarding the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program.
Phone Call with Tiger Woods
\”I’m excited. There are definitely players who are happy and definitely players who will be angry. Some won’t be happy with how everything turned out,\” the 35-year-old said some time ago. At the press conference for the Farmers Insurance Open, he gratefully acknowledged the opportunity and revealed that his first call upon receiving clearance to leave LIV was to Tiger Woods, the influential figure behind the scenes in Ponte Vedra Beach.
\”I wasn’t exactly sure how to handle things with the PGA Tour, and Tiger was the first person who came to mind, as I always had a good relationship with him.\” Koepka knows exactly whose approval matters.
\”I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my career and am very happy to be here. I’m very grateful to Brian Rolapp, Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods, and everyone who made this opportunity possible.\”
Brooks Koepka
LIV Golf’s Dynamics Changed Significantly
However, this article ultimately focuses on Bryson DeChambeau. Koepka’s departure from Florida has profoundly changed the structure of the LIV Golf League, suddenly losing a third of its key assets.
Koepka was one of the prominent figures publicly representing LIV, a five-time major winner with the glamorous Jena Sims by his side, and one of only two LIV players to win a major during their time with the rival circuit. The other is DeChambeau, 2020 and 2024 US Open champion, and in many ways an extraordinary figure.
DeChambeau’s Contract and Influence with LIV Golf
DeChambeau holds all the trump cards and knows it. Many believe LIV’s future hinges on him. According to The Telegraph, the ‘Scientist’—who has shed the ‘mad’ label—is demanding a $500 million guaranteed payout for a four-year contract extension along with significant influence over the development of LIV’s team-based franchise model.
\”I believe in LIV’s potential. It has to make sense for both sides, and if so, we’ll move in a cool direction. I definitely don’t want to let my Crushers teammates down.\”
Bryson DeChambeau
The brilliant self-promoter has fully grasped LIV’s concept, possibly better than anyone else. While LIV’s management drifts into mediocrity, DeChambeau remains omnipresent—charismatic, versatile, extroverted, and always reinventing himself in different