Brooks Koepka wins LIV Jeddah for first professional win in 20 months
Brooks Koepka once was the most feared golfer in the world. Realizing those days have passed, the Palm Beach County native joined the LIV Golf Series, where the purses are larger and the fields are less competitive.
The move is paying off. Koepka won this week's LIV event in Jeddah, defeating fellow Jupiter resident Peter Uihlein in the third playoff hole to pocket the $4 million first place prize money. In addition, Smash GC, captained by Koepka, won the team event, adding $750,00 to Koepka's earnings.
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"The last two years they haven't been fun. It's been a long road," Koepka said on his LIV television interview, referring to knee and foot injuries. "I didn't know if my career was over for a second. It's nice to be able to come back and be able to win."
Koepka increased his prize money to $6.8 million since joining LIV for its second event in early July. That does not include the $150 million he reportedly received to join the league that is financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Koepka's game has slipped since winning four majors from 2017 to 2019, much of it having to do with injuries, has not won on the PGA Tour since the 2021 Phoenix Open. His first LIV victory is just his second win on any tour in more than three years. His highest finish in his first five LIV events was a tie for eighth in Bangkok.
He shot a 1-under 69 in the final round to catch Uihlein, who started the final round with a one shot lead over Koepka. They were 12-under for the 54-hole event.
The event in Saudi Arabia was LIV's season finale when it comes to individual play. The series, run by Palm Beach Gardens' Greg Norman, has one event remaining in its inaugural season, Oct. 28-30 at Trump National Doral, which will include a $50 million purse and determine the season-long team champion.
Koepka finished eighth in LIV's final individual championship race. Jupiter's Dustin Johnson, who finished sixth at Jeddah, won the individual championship and the $18 million first place prize money.
Jupiter's Branden Grace was second in the individual standings winning $8 million and Uihlein pocketed the $4 million third place prize money.
The team championship was the first for Smash, which was runner-up at LIV Chicago. Koepka's team consists of Uihlein, his brother Chase Koepka and Jason Kokrak. The four split the $5 million first place prize money.
Norman was able to lure Brooks Koepka to the LIV roster after signing Chase and offering Brooks one of the largest contracts behind the reported $200 million given to Phil Mickelson.
Koepka made the move just months after saying LIV would get their guys because "somebody will sell out and go to it," and insisting money doesn't matter. "I just want to play against the best," he said.
Prior to his LIV debut, Koepka cited the league's reduced schedule as a lure.
"It would just be nice to be home a little bit more," he said. "I think that's a big thing that everybody, every one of these 48 players will say the same thing."
After the first round of the Jeddah event, Koepka did an about face on the schedule.
"Best I've felt in three years," said Koepka, who has fought through several injuries. "And the golf swing is starting to come around.
"Kind of sucks we only have this event and Miami left, and a bunch of time off. But, it will be fine. Just keep doing what I'm doing and try to be healthy, and if I'm healthy, I can make a golf swing where I can compete again."
With LIV's 54-hole format, Koepka has played 18 rounds of competitive golf since July.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: LIV Golf: Brooks Koepka wins in Jeddah for first pro victory in 20 months
