Brooks Koepka’s decision to rejoin the PGA Tour was undoubtedly a big blow for LIV Golf.
The five-time major winner became the first star name to jump ship from the Saudi-backed league and find his way back on the PGA Tour, where Koepka has had the majority of his success during his esteemed career.
Koepka was the captain of Smash GC on LIV Golf, so he didn’t just leave a major void in the league, but in his team as well. They have since replaced him as captain with Talor Gooch and signed Harold Varner III to the team.
According to Koepka’s former teammate, Graeme McDowell, Smash GC’s players didn’t receive any notice that he’d be leaving. But there was a very good reason why.
The reason why Brooks Koepka didn’t tell Smash GC he was leaving LIV Golf
Speaking to The Mirror US, McDowell said that, for legal reasons, he didn’t learn that Koepka was leaving LIV until it was announced publicly. But Koepka quickly called his former teammates to apologize after the announcement.
McDowell explained his feelings on Koepka’s decision to leave: “Obviously, we’d heard the rumors just like you, and Brooks was obviously obligated not to make any comments about it just due to legal situations that they had, and he called us right after the announcement just to apologize for not being able to tell us first himself.
“So, listen, I completely support Brooks and wish him well on his journey. He’s got to figure out how to be the best he can be. And if LIV’s not where he needs to be, I hope he goes and finds his spot and gets back to winning majors the way he should be. He’s done a lot for me in my career, and I appreciate the opportunity he’s given me.”
There doesn’t appear to be any bad blood between Koepka and his former LIV competitors. Phil Mickelson is among the many LIV stars to wish him the best moving forward.
But McDowell still acknowledged that it’s a massive loss for the league.
Graeme McDowell explains the impact of Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf
Many have tried to downplay the impact of Koepka’s departure from LIV. The league has signed some young talent this offseason, who they hope can develop into stars, and Koepka has been far from his best since signing with the league.
But McDowell didn’t shy away from saying that this is a big loss. When asked how significant Koepka’s departure is, McDowell replied, “Massive. I mean, five-time major champion. He he’s a he’s an irreplaceable type player.
“So, it’s a blow to the league. It’s a blow to Smash GC for sure. But all we can do is kind of soldier on and focus on what we’re doing, and, like I say, wish him well and thank him for the contribution he’s made to this league so far.”
It’s a mature response from McDowell, and it seems he hasn’t taken this personally. LIV’s mantra is allowing players to play golf wherever they want, and its players seem to be sticking to that philosophy.
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