GOLF

Report: Brooks Koepka the latest to join Saudi-backed LIV series

Jun 21, 2022, 9:36 AM

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — Brooks Koepka, one of the first players to denounce a rival league for only 48 players, is the latest PGA Tour player to sign on with Saudi-funded LIV Golf series, The Associated Press has learned.

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach also reported the move on Tuesday morning.

A person briefed on Koepka’s decision told the AP said he still would be able to compete on the PGA Tour until he hits a shot on the LIV Golf circuit. The person spoke on condition of anonymity without authorization to speak on behalf of the tour.

The Daily Telegraph in the UK first reported Koepka’s decision.

Koepka remained in the field for the Travelers Championship, though he was not at a player meeting Tuesday morning at the TPC River Highlands. The next LIV Golf event starts June 30 outside Portland, Oregon.

Koepka was second player, behind Rory McIlroy, who speak out against a rival league in March 2020 when he told the AP, “I have a hard time believing golf should be about just 48 players.”

“Money isn’t going to change my life,” Koepka said at the time.

The proposed rival league was different from LIV Golf, presented as the “Premier Golf League” though still relying on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Greg Norman and LIV Golf took the idea of 48-man fields, no cuts with a team component.

LIV Golf has not announced Koepka’s signing amid speculation that a few others were soon to join. ESPN Deportes reported over the weekend that Abraham Ancer of Mexico also was signing. Ancer is No. 20 in the world with one PGA Tour victory.

Koepka gives LIV Golf a big name with his four major titles — back-to-back in the U.S. Open (2017-18) and PGA Championship (2018-19), though his game has been in decline since then because of a series of injuries.

His last victory was the Phoenix Open in February 2021 and he has fallen to No. 19 in the world. In the majors this year, he missed the cut at the Masters and has finished out of the top 50 in the PGA Championship and U.S. Open.

Golf

Thomas Detry...

Associated Press

Thomas Detry gets his first PGA Tour victory, a 7-shot romp at the WM Phoenix Open

Thomas Detry nearly aced the rowdy 16th hole in a stretch of four closing birdies to win the Phoenix Open by seven shots for his first PGA Tour victory.

7 hours ago

Thomas Detry Phoenix Open Jordan Spieth and others trail by 5 shot entering final round...

Associated Press

Thomas Detry shoots 65 for 5-shot lead over Jordan Spieth, others entering Phoenix Open finale

Thomas Detry shot a 6-under 65 on Saturday to take a five-shot lead into the final round of the WM Phoenix Open as he chases his first PGA Tour victory.

1 day ago

Thomas Detry, of Belgium, hits his tee shot at the 13th hole during the second round of the WM Phoe...

Associated Press

Thomas Detry takes 2-shot lead at WM Phoenix Open, Smalley and Kim just behind

Thomas Detry nearly aced the par-3 16th hole and shot a 7-under 64 in the second round to take a two-shot lead lead in the WM Phoenix Open on Friday.

2 days ago

Emiliano Grillo made a hole-in-one during the second round of the 2025 WM Phoenix Open on Friday...

Tyler Drake

Emiliano Grillo’s slam dunk ace gets No. 16 jumping at WM Phoenix Open

Emiliano Grillo had everyone on their feet following his slam dunk ace on No. 16 during the second round of the 2025 WM Phoenix Open on Friday.

2 days ago

Following the chaos that ensued at last year's tournament, PGA stars weighed in on the changes at t...

Associated Press

PGA stars weigh in on 2025 WM Phoenix Open changes

Following the chaos that ensued at last year's tournament, PGA stars weighed in on the changes at this year's 2025 WM Phoenix Open.

4 days ago

WM Phoenix Open...

Alex Weiner

WM Phoenix Open announces Pro-Am pairings, including Corbin Burnes and Jonathan Gannon

The WM Phoenix Open revealed Pro-Am pairings for Wednesday at TCP Scottsdale, including a group with Corbin Burnes and Jonathan Gannon.

5 days ago

Report: Brooks Koepka the latest to join Saudi-backed LIV series