
Brooks Koepka deserves a lot of credit for the way he has embraced his current position on the PGA Tour since deciding to leave LIV Golf ahead of the season.
Koepka is edging closer and closer to earning his spot in the signature events. But with that, the five-time major champion has handed a boost to a number of lower-profile tournaments on the schedule.
The 36-year-old is playing in the Myrtle Beach Classic this week. He goes into the final round just five shots back of the lead after posting a 64 on Saturday.
And his comments following that round may alarm those associated with LIV Golf.
Koepka said he had not been that excited playing golf since the 2023 PGA Championship, as he posted a 29 on the back nine to move himself into contention.
Admittedly, Koepka appeared to be the player who was prepared to be most critical of LIV Golf during his time with the league.
But it is still quite something to say that an opposite field event has had that impact on him.
Yes, you could argue that it does not necessarily reflect too well on the PGA Tour either, given that he returned several months ago. However, Koepka won three times on LIV after the 2023 PGA Championship. And yet, those victories do not appear to have delivered the same amount of satisfaction.
Of course, there are real doubts over what the future holds for LIV. And given the changes to the league that seem almost inevitable, it is highly likely that some players will be considering their futures.
Anirban Lahiri did claim that a dozen LIV players would rather retire than return to the PGA Tour.
But Koepka’s comments may put some on alert.
It would be unfair to say that all of those on LIV do not care. But clearly, battling in a PGA Tour event has got under Koepka’s skin in a completely different way.
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