Another top 20 PGA Tour player is set to become the latest big-name player to leave the PGA Tour and join the LIV Golf Invitational Series commissioned by Greg Norman.
Four-time major champion Brooks Koepka has reportedly joined the LIV Golf Invitational Series, adding another blow to the PGA Tour’s effort to keep its biggest stars.
According to James Corrigan of The Telegraph, Koepka is likely to have accepted a seven-figure salary to join the LIV Golf series which began at Centurion Golf Club on June 9.
Along with Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Louis Oosthuizen, Koepka is set to be suspended from the PGA Tour as is consistent with the guidelines set out by commissioner Jay Monahan.
Just after the first event of the LIV Golf Series got underway, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed and Pat Perez all committed to the breakaway tour and it looks as though Koepka has joined them.
It had been rumored that a multiple major winner was going to defect from the PGA Tour this week and the newly-wed 32-year-old fits that profile. He will join his brother Chase who played in the first event near London.
Other PGA Tour stars such as Rickie Fowler, Matthew Wolff and Bubba Watson have also been linked to the LIV Golf Series and we have reason to expect further announcements this week.
Last week at the US Open, a tournament Koepka has won twice before, he was openly frustrated by the questioning surrounding the series commissioned by Greg Norman.
The World No.19 didn’t express the same passion for the American circuit as the likes of Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas and his defensive comments on the matter meant speculation began swirling.
“I’m here. I’m here at the US Open. I’m ready to play US Open, and I think it kind of sucks, too, you are all throwing this black cloud over the US Open. It’s one of my favorite events. I don’t know why you guys keep doing that,” Koepka said in Brookline.
“I don’t understand. I’m trying to focus on the US Open, man. I legitimately don’t get it. I’m tired of the conversations. I’m tired of all this stuff.
“As I said, you are throwing a black cloud on the US Open. I think that sucks. I actually do feel bad for them for once because it’s a s***** situation. We’re here to play, and you are talking about an event that happened last week.”
Article originally appeared on: Golfmagic.com
They are all jumping ship after making a name for themselves at the expense of the PGA, its all about greed with them that are jumping ship they can deny it all they want but we all know money talks in any sport, its not the love of the game anymore
There is nothing sacrosanct about the PGA. It’s a business with a virtual monopoly
Well now the LIV has changed that and hundreds of pros have a serious decision to make
They are all “Independent Contractors” and should be able to play wherever they want and whenever they want. This is a democracy true and simple. The PGA Commish Jay M is overstepping his bounds. He made a huge error and should just ley them play any tour the want. I am certain the players would still play 10-15 in the USA anyway. Its time for him to go.
none of these guys who jumped to the LIV will ever be the same with the fans again, and the sad part, they could care less.
They made there money , fame with the PGA and that is the reason LIV want you and all they have for you is $$$$$, you will be forgotten with time.
So sorry for you guys …!
You make a point but they are a bunch of Greedy golfers, no love for the game, just like alot of Pros nowdays they want the big money to preform B.S.
Explain your statement about “no love for the game”. Does that mean not making money play golf and loving it? You would change jobs or would have if not presently employed, for more money in a heartbeat. So don’t criticize, it’s their lives not yours .
you may change jobs for more money but does money bring you happiness no, a good example of love for the game Al Kaline ball player for Detriot didn;t want more money he just loved playing ball, they that have defected are a greedy bunch Lefty supports his gambling habit so don’t prech to me
Wow! The PGA just found all these extra millions of dollars! Now they are putting in the cash!, 8 events purse of $20 million! So Phil was absolutely correct about the PGA, and Now the existing players should send Phil a bottle of very expensive wine
Why? Because they had the money- just forgot to share! All hypocrites
DC