Both Wyndham Clark and Brooks Koepka are set to feature in the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour this week.
It marks Koepka’s first appearance on the tour since June 2022, when he left to join LIV Golf. Clark, meanwhile, has already changed his tune about the former LIV golfer’s return to American golf.
The five-time major champion regained his PGA Tour membership earlier this month after leaving LIV Golf. And at first, Clark was hesitant about what it meant for the tour.
Just after Koepka was reinstated, Clark spoke up about how he felt there should have been more consequences for those who made the move.
Despite his initial uncertainty, Wyndham Clark seems to have changed his view on Brooks Koepka returning to the PGA Tour. He now sees it as a positive move for both himself and other players.
The big difference seems to be that two years ago, no one really knew what a guy like Koepka could bring by coming back. Now it’s pretty clear what he adds from a player perspective.
“I think every time we get some sort of either news or new information or even just another time where we’ve played an event with more people back from LIV or whatever,” Clark continued.
“We keep learning how much they do actually add value versus maybe before when we thought they were going to come back and make things worse or whatever it might be.”
Wyndham Clark’s new stance on Brooks Koepka returning to the PGA Tour
Brooks Koepka’s return has been a major talking point in PGA Tour circles, with the five-time major winner set to play his first event back this week at Torrey Pines.
Clark was speaking during Monday night’s TGL match between Boston Common and The Bay when he was asked about Koepka rejoining the circuit.
This time, Clark seemed more supportive of Koepka’s comeback, sounding more positive than he had earlier in the month.
He said: “Yeah, I mean, we all love Brooks, at least on the USA team side. Good friends with Brooks. I know he’s been missing some of the competition that’s on the PGA TOUR, and I think he’s excited to come back.”
“Like Shane said, I think it’s great for the TOUR, and who knows? Maybe he’s the first one of maybe many.”
“But yeah, I think it just helps the TOUR. And whatever helps the TOUR is what I think all of us want because that ultimately helps all of us.”
The impact goes both ways – strengthening one circuit while weakening another – though it remains to be seen how much weight his return truly carries.
Why Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return benefits fellow players
Koepka won’t be eligible for the player equity program or FedEx Cup bonus money for five years, meaning if he plays well, other players could benefit financially.
As part of his reinstatement, he’s also agreed to donate $5 million to charity.
It’s clear that Koepka was eager to make his way back from LIV. The financial terms he accepted reflect just how much he wanted the move.
He won’t have immediate access to any of the Signature Events on tour and will need to earn his place through performances on the course.
The road ahead isn’t a simple one. There are plenty of obstacles in front of him as he tries to re-establish himself among golf’s elite.
But with his ability, it wouldn’t be surprising if Koepka finds himself in contention at major events again before too long.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
