Before Brooks Koepka’s departure, ‘The Scientist’ was the face of the LIV Golf league. Now, he holds all the cards even more firmly. An analysis.
First, the latest news: Brooks Koepka’s first appearance on the driving range at Torrey Pines was met with neither harsh treatment nor warm welcomes from his former and current colleagues. At most, the LIV returnee received friendly indifference, with Wyndham Clark, a declared skeptic of the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program, remaining markedly neutral so far.
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 things went,’ the 35-year-old said some time ago. At the press conference for the Farmers Insurance Open, he politely thanked for the opportunity and revealed that his first call after receiving clearance to leave LIV was to Tiger Woods, the influential figure behind the scenes at Ponte Vedra Beach.
‘I wasn’t sure what to do or how to approach 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 knows exactly whose approval really matters…
‘I look forward to this new chapter in my career and am very excited to be here. I am very grateful to Brian Rolapp, Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods, and everyone who made this opportunity possible.’
Brooks Koepka
LIV Dynamics Significantly Shifted
But wait, isn’t this article about Bryson DeChambeau? Yes, but without the Koepka context, it’s impossible. The departure of the giant from Florida has drastically changed the dynamics of LIV Golf. The Saudi-backed series suddenly lost 33.3% of its assets.
Koepka was one of those who could make a statement publicly as a five-time major winner, with the glamorous Jena Sims by his side, and one of two LIV players who won a major during their time on the rival circuit. The other is DeChambeau, US Open champion in 2020 and 2024 (!), and an exceptional figure in many respects.
Only DeChambeau and Rahm as Assets
The third valuable asset is Jon Rahm—not just from a European perspective. After that, LIV’s roster dwindles into insignificance, with a bit of Sergio Garcia, perhaps some Joaquin Niemann.
Patrick Reed stands out because of his controversial reputation despite recently winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Dustin Johnson missing the cut at the same event went unnoticed. Tyrrell Hatton is clearly more interesting than Cameron Smith. And who exactly was 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.’