Brooks Koepka is left eating his words after old statements he made resurfaced following his decision to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.
When asked about the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, a rival to the PGA Tour with an alternative format and massive payouts, in February 2020 at the Honda Classic, Koepka shot down the idea that he’d participate.
“Money doesn’t matter,” the four-time major champion said. “It’s not something that’s important. I just want to be happy. Money’s not going to make me happy. I just want to play against the best.
“If somebody gave me $200 million tomorrow it’s not going to change my life. What am I going to get out of it? I already have [enough money] that I could retire right now, but I don’t want to. I just want to play golf.”
Two years later, it seems Koepka has changed his stance.
Brooks Koepka is left eating his words after old statements he made resurfaced following his decision to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour. GettyOn Tuesday, The Telegraph reported that the 32-year-old is joining the LIV Golf tour, reuniting with other stars who have defected from the PGA Tour such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau. It’s unclear exactly how much Koepka received to defect, but it is anticipated to be in the neighborhood of what DeChambeau ($100 million) and Johnson ($125 million) got.
Last week at the U.S. Open, the two-time champ criticized members of the media for repeatedly bringing up LIV Golf.
“I don’t understand, I’m trying to focus on the U.S. Open, man,’’ Koepka said. “I legitimately don’t get it. I’m tired of the conversations. I’m tired of all this stuff.
“I’m here at the US Open, I’m ready to play the U.S. Open, and I think it kind of sucks, too, you are all throwing this black cloud over the U.S. Open. It’s one of my favorite events. I don’t know why you guys keep doing that. The more legs you give it, the more you keep talking about it.”
Following a forgettable performance at the U.S. Open in which he finished 12-over and tied for 55th, it seems Koepka will now be ready to talk about LIV Golf where his brother Chase already plays.
Brooks Koepka had a forgettable performance at the U.S. Open in which he finished 12-over and tied for 55th. GettyKoepka is expected to make his debut in the next LIV Golf event, which takes place next week in Portland, Ore.
