Brooks Koepka has officially left the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational Series, marking another high-profile defection to the breakaway league. The accomplished four-time major winner is slated to compete in the league's first American appearance in Portland next week. Before this announcement, Koepka had been vocal about his annoyance with the press, suggesting that their relentless focus on LIV Golf was ruining the atmosphere of the US Open.
Koepka isn't alone in the move; other prominent golfers like Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau are also scheduled to make their LIV debuts in Portland. Meanwhile, Abraham Ancer, currently 20th in the world rankings, is also transitioning to the series. This follows in the footsteps of Koepka's brother, Chase, who competed in the inaugural London event two weeks ago.
The American star's exit from the PGA Tour happened only a week after his pre-US Open press conference, where he famously snapped at reporters who pressed him about switching to LIV Golf.
The 32-year-old clarified that he remains passionate about the US Open, calling it one of his favorite tournaments, and questioned why the media insisted on casting a negative shadow over the event. When asked why he hadn't left the PGA Tour sooner, he simply noted that there hadn't been a viable alternative until now. By joining Greg Norman's breakaway tour alongside his brother Chase, Koepka now faces a ban from the PGA Tour. This is a significant setback for the US Ryder Cup team, as they will be missing several key players from the 2018 and 2021 squads for the upcoming matches in Rome due to ineligibility.
The American golfer will join his brother Chase on Greg Norman’s breakaway tour and will be banned from the PGA Tour as a result. It would be a huge blow to the US Ryder Cup team, who will face five members of the 2018 team and three from 2021 being ineligible for next year’s match in Rome.
Speculation has been swirling that Collin Morikawa might be the next to defect. However, the 25-year-old American has dismissed these rumors, stating he has no plans to join LIV Golf and suggesting that the media simply enjoys stirring up drama.
While the LIV Series has attracted heavy hitters like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Sergio Garcia, it has yet to lure any player from the global top 15. To date, the PGA Tour has handed out suspensions to 17 golfers who signed with the Saudi league.