While it won’t go away, and the talk certainly won’t end soon, Brooks Koepka has finished the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Koepka tore apart the controversial new golf startup on Tuesday at the U.S. Open and criticized reporters for asking about what has easily become the sport’s most important story.
“I haven’t thought about it much. I don’t understand,” said a clearly frustrated Koepka. “I’m trying to focus on the U.S. Open, man. I don’t understand it legitimately. I’m tired of conversations, I’m tired of all this stuff.
“Like I said, you’re throwing a black cloud over the U.S. Open. I think it’s shit. In fact, for once I feel bad for them because it’s a shitty situation. We’re here to play and you’re talking about ‘an event that happened last week’.
Like it or not, Koepka’s connection to the LIV Golf series is stronger than most of those who stayed with the PGA Tour.
Koepka’s younger brother Chase opted to join the Saudi-backed league and competed in the first event last weekend in London. Chase finished in 37th place.
“He loves my brother. I support him in whatever he does,” Brooks Koepka said simply. “This is family, I will always love and support him, so whatever he does, I encourage him.”
Koepka will try to secure his ninth PGA Tour victory this week in Massachusetts, and his third victory at the U.S. Open this weekend. He has not played since the PGA Championship last month, where he finished T55.
As he said several times, the discussion towards the third major championship of the season has been largely dominated by LIV Golf, which has caused a lot of controversy, suspension of the PGA Tour and much more.
Phil Mickelson, who has provoked a lot of reactions to support the league, was asked almost exclusively on Monday. Rory McIlroy, who won the RBC Canadian Open last week and immediately overshadowed LIV CEO Greg Norman, criticized it again on Tuesday morning.
Koepka, however, wants nothing to do with anything.
The story goes on
“I’m here,” he said. “I’m here at the U.S. Open. I’m ready to play the U.S. Open, and I think it’s a bit of shit, too. You’re throwing this black cloud over the U.S. Open.
“It’s one of my favorite events. I don’t know why you keep doing this. “
Brooks Koepka doesn’t want to talk about LIV Golf this week at the U.S. Open. (John David Mercer / USA Today)