Brooks Koepka se convierte en el primer jugador en desertar de LIV – Chicago Tribune

By DOUG FERGUSON

Brooks Koepka, a five-time major tournament player, became the first player to defect from LIV Golf, a significant blow for the league financed by Saudi Arabia and which already doubts if he could return to the Gira of the PGA.

LIV Golf posted an announcement on its website under a statement that Talor Gooch will be the new captain of the Smash team that Koepka led.

Scott O’Neil, LIV’s new general manager, said the salient golfer and the Saudi league “amicably and mutually agree” that Koepka will not participate in the league.

“Brooks is putting the needs of his family first and staying closer to home,” O’Neil confirmed. “We appreciate the significant impact he has had in the game and we hope it continues, as long as it continues.”

LIV has not revealed any contracts, but it has suggested that Koepka will do so for another year from their June 2022 tie-up.

The PGA’s policy, which relates to its tournaments for players who are united in the rival league, requires that it be heard within a year of its last participation. LIV ended temporarily on August 24.

Koepka entered his career in the European tower and could return here. That year, four European Tour events concluded four days into the French Open a week before the Ryder Copa. He participated in the 2023 Copa Ryder, but was not considered this year due to his poor form.

Blake Smith, Koepka’s representative at Hambric Sports, said he did not comment on a statement issued by LIV Golf that Koepka was aggregated during his time in the Saudi League.

“Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and it seems like this is the perfect time to spend the most time at home,” the statement said. “Brooks continues to be a big part of LIV Golf and wants to join the league to keep his players successful. Brooks is passionate about the game of golf and looks forward to keeping fanatics informed on what’s coming.”

Koepka had been alerted to the PGA of his planes before the LIV announcement, according to a person in the call. The person was in an anonymized state as it was not publicly disclosed.

The first step for Koepka to regress will be to solicit new members.

Koepka, who spent 47 weeks at the world’s number one spot in 2018 and 2019, was one of LIV’s most important rosters in 2022, when he launched. I was in a state of healing from the lesions and then suggested that I could not help you if your health would be better.

Unified State was the first LIV player to win a major tournament in 2023 when he conquered PGA champion Oak Hill for his fifth major. Bryson DeChambeau achieved united statehood the following year.

LIV does not specify how to replace Koepka.

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