Brooks Koepka explains the LIV decision in the tense presser
Brooks Koepka explains the LIV decision in the tense presser. When asked about his comments to a reporter at the U.S. Open two weeks before his interview with LIV at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, Brooks Koepka scoffed.
Leaving the PGA Tour for its new challenger is something he hasn’t given much thought to, he added. I just don’t get it. Sorry, man, I’m just trying to concentrate on the U.S. Open. I honestly don’t comprehend/understand it, “he went on to say.’’
If you peek in the rearview mirror while driving, you’ll crash.
The defiance continued during Koepka’s first press conference with the Saudi-backed LIV breakaway circuit on Tuesday.
My viewpoint shifted. When asked what caused the dramatic change that placed him in this week’s LIV event, he replied, “That was it.” I know this is going to sound crazy, but we didn’t talk about it until after the U.S. Open was over and everything was settled. I’ve arrived.
True enough, he showed up right here. Of the nine players who debuted in the LIV near Portland, Oregon, only Koepka made a significant splash. Dramatic because Koepka is tied for the most major championship titles by any player under the age of 45 with his four victories. Remarkable, since he’d spent the better part of the last two years publicly and privately reiterating his commitment to the PGA Tour.
Koepka offered some context for his choice during a press conference on Tuesday, where he was joined by Pat Perez and Patrick Reed.
It benefited him a lot, he claimed, to talk to other players who had participated in the first London LIV tournament. Because they were all playing in the first LIV, Koepka was able to talk to Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and even his brother Chase. After two years spent on the sidelines due to injury, Koepka acknowledged that the prospect of guaranteed cash and fewer starts appealed to him.
“After all I’ve been through the past two years with my knees in terms of pain and rehabilitation, it’s obvious that I need some more rest. I’ll be the first to admit that the previous few years have been challenging; as a result, I’ve found that the ability to take time off between tournaments and relax at home before heading out to play is quite helpful.”
Almost all LIV participants have made the case for fewer, more spaced-out events. It’ll be fascinating to see if that turns out to be accurate. Given that LIV has just eight events scheduled (seven remainings, including this week) plus the Open Championship, and the PGA Tour has indefinitely suspended LIV participants from its events, Koepka will likely play a lighter season for the rest of this year. It will be fascinating to watch if his workload lightens up for him in the years to come.
Since Koepka has averaged between 17 and 22 stars each year over the past four years and LIV will grow to at least 14 events by 2024, the combination of the required starts and the four majors would be enough to send Koepka close to his typical total. However, he stressed that in recent seasons he has hurried back from injury, feeling the pressures of PGA Tour competition, despite the fact that each event is only 54 holes instead of 72.
However, Koepka’s demeanor became increasingly belligerent as the media session progressed, despite his early jokes and his professed joy about debuting on LIV. While Matthew Wolff compared the LIV’s team structure to cherished college recollections, and Pat Perez claimed he felt like he’d won the lottery just by being asked (and paid) to play, Koepka took a decidedly more hostile stance toward the media. As it turned out, Koepka was put off by a barrage of uncomfortable yet anticipated questions.
When asked about the Public Investment Fund, an arm of the Saudi government, he became defensive when asked about LIV’s funding.
It was then that he revealed the game they were engaged in golf.
Koepka blasted the golf media for being “slow on the uptake” when asked about his personal change of heart.
These exchanges have been going/running on for quite some time. How long have you been doing that? He then went on to explain that the phenomenon had actually been around for much longer than anyone had realized. That said, I’ll reiterate that my views have evolved. My viewpoint can shift if I see new evidence.
Finally, a reporter from Golfweek asked if the players had received media training in anticipation of the difficult questions that would be asked, following a tense exchange with another reporter about how LIV will actually grow/develop the game:
I mean, yeah, that’s going to grow/develop the game; right? Well, considering the fact/truth/reality that there is more golf on TV.
According to Perez, the answer is “0”.
Koepka shook his head firmly.
He agreed, saying, “Yeah.” Unless you want to do it yourself, I mean.
The journalist said, “I’m just curious.”
Koepka answered, “I know,” maintaining eye contact for one further second. I’ve just answered your question, man. Thanks a lot, sir.
The press conference ended shortly thereafter. The three of them left the podium and went outdoors, where they found that the normally boisterous Pumpkin Ridge was unusually quiet on this Tuesday. A lull before the storm.
Brooks Koepka explains the LIV decision in the tense presser