Brooks Koepka Admits LIV Defect ‘Would’ve Been Tougher’ With Better Health

Following a strong performance through the first two days of the 87th Masters Tournament that gave him a tie for the best score in history through 36 holes, Brooks Koepka made an admission that indicated if his health and game were as strong as they were this weekend for the past few years, his defect to LIV Golf might have been a tougher decision.

Koepka has battled a string of injuries through the past few years, including a troublesome knee injury that hindered his performance at some of golf’s toughest tournaments, including Major Championships, where he has consistently been a mainstay on leaderboards for years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Brooks Koepka (@bkoepka)

After capturing back-to-back PGA Championships and U.S. Open crowns in 2018 and 2019, Koepka fell off somewhat before nearly capturing another PGA Crown in 2021, falling just short of Phil Mickelson’s triumph at Kiawah Island.

It was no secret Koepka, a competitor in every right, was struggling with his health. His knee was failing, and as his performances fell off, he had an out: LIV Golf.

Last July, Koepka officially left the PGA Tour and decided to join LIV, and it was a decision that he opened up about on the recent Netflix series Full Swing.

Koepka admitted on the series that his focus in both his professional and personal life had fallen off. A lost swing bothers anyone, but when it is the key to your livelihood, the stress must be immense. Koepka was offered a reported figure of $100 million to join LIV, and he took it, citing health concerns and wanting to spend more time with family.

But now, after a remarkable performance through the first two days at Augusta that matched scores of only Spieth, Norman, and Floyd, Koepka said during a press conference that if his health and game were at this level through the last few years, he could have ended up staying on the PGA Tour.

Said he’s happy with the decision but that was a very interesting admission

— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) April 7, 2023

Reports recently circulated that indicated Koekpa may have regretted his decision to move to LIV. However, it is unlikely he will leave, as the penalty to eliminate his contract is four times that of his sign-on fee.

If Koepka’s form continues, perhaps we will see him back on the Tour in a few years.

Koepka is currently four clear of second-place Sam Bennett, an amateur who has taken the weekend by storm by outperforming his playing mates, Scottie Scheffler and Max Homa. Jon Rahm also shares that spot through eight holes.

Cover Image Via Times Leader