'It Kind Of Sucks' - Koepka After Finding Form At End Of LIV Season
Despite sitting just one shot back off the lead in Jeddah, Koepka was disappointed that there are only two LIV Golf events left
Going into the final day of the LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah, Brooks Koepka sits just one shot back of Smash GC teammate and close friend, Peter Uihlein. Looking for his first win since the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open, the American has been battling a hip injury, but feels the best he's ever felt in three years.
However, despite this, and with just two tournaments remaining in the LIV calendar including the current event in Jeddah, Koepka was somewhat subdued saying "it kind of sucks we only have this event and Miami left, and a bunch of time off."
Because of the ban given out by the PGA Tour for LIV players that have jumped ship, and the unlikelihood of Koepka teeing it up in DP World and Asian Tour events, it means that tournaments will be few and far between now and when the new LIV season starts.
Although a 14-event schedule has been announced for next season, the American struggled in a number of big PGA Tour events before moving to the Saudi-backed series. However, Koepka says that "everything is starting to come together," and that "it's the best I've felt in three years and the golf swing is started to come around."
Sitting second in the individual standings and first in the team event in Jeddah, the 32-year-old added: "I'm excited. It kind of sucks we only have this event and Miami left, and a bunch of time off. If I'm healthy, I can make the golf swing where I can compete again. This is the first time I've had back-to-back weeks since February so it's been tough to build a rhythm."
Since its first event at Centurion in June, multiple players who have jumped to LIV have praised the series and how it's 'growing the game.' Koepka has previously mentioned his enjoyment, but also revealed in his press conference on Saturday that his favorite time since turning pro came 10 years ago.
Asked about what it was like in the early part of his career, specifically with close friend, Uihlein, Koepka spoke about his Challenge and European Tour days, with the American stating: "I mean, I enjoyed it. I still think probably the most fun I've had playing golf was 2012 to probably 2014 playing in Europe. It was the most fun. Got to travel the world, and to get to do it for a living, I think it's pretty cool."
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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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