Brooks Koepka set to venture away from LIV Golf after lining up Tour return

Brooks Koepka set to venture away from LIV Golf after lining up Tour return

 

Brooks Koepka, the renowned five-time major champion who has been a prominent figure in the LIV Golf league for the past two years, is making a noteworthy return to the DP World Tour. Koepka, who has predominantly focused his golfing efforts on LIV Golf since signing with the Saudi-backed league in 2022, is set to make his comeback to the European circuit at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship next month.

 

Koepka’s involvement with LIV Golf, which led to his exclusion from the PGA Tour, has limited his participation in other major golfing events. While he has made a few appearances on the Asian Tour and the Japan Golf Tour, his primary commitment has been with LIV Golf. This exclusivity with LIV Golf led to his suspension from the PGA Tour, restricting his ability to compete in American-based tournaments. However, Koepka’s return to the DP World Tour marks a significant shift in his competitive landscape.

 

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, scheduled to commence on October 3, will see Koepka showcasing his skills across three of Scotland’s most prestigious golf courses: the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns Golf Links. Despite relinquishing his DP World Tour membership, Koepka is eligible to participate in this tournament through a sponsor invitation. His participation is particularly notable given his fondness for Scottish golf and his long-standing affection for St Andrews, which he considers his favorite course in the world.

 

In a statement regarding his return to the Dunhill Links Championship, Koepka expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve been fortunate to play in several Dunhill Links, as well as two Open Championships at St Andrews over the years, and these trips are always highlights to my year.” He further elaborated on his love for Links golf and his deep-seated appreciation for St Andrews, saying, “I love Links golf and St Andrews is my favourite course in the world. I could play there every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. The atmosphere on and off the course at the Dunhill is fantastic.”

 

Koepka also reminisced about personal experiences at the tournament, mentioning past highlights such as playing alongside his father and his close friend and caddie, Ricky Elliott. These memories, he noted, hold a special place in his heart, adding to the significance of his return to the event.

 

The Dunhill Links Championship is shaping up to be a star-studded affair, with Koepka joining a high-profile lineup that includes Rory McIlroy. The two golfers, who have recently found themselves on opposite sides of the ongoing golf political divide, will face off at this event. Their encounter at the Dunhill Links will precede another highly anticipated showdown: a PGA Tour versus LIV Golf match in Las Vegas, where McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler will compete against Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

 

In addition to Koepka, the field at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will also feature other prominent players from the LIV Golf circuit. Notably, Tyrrell Hatton, a two-time winner of the event in 2016 and 2017, has also committed to participating. Hatton’s return to the DP World Tour is strategically important for him as he aims to maintain his membership and Ryder Cup eligibility. To achieve this, he needs to compete in four DP World Tour events by the end of the year. Thus far, he has participated in two events, namely the Dubai Desert Classic and the British Masters.

 

Hatton has indicated his intention to compete in additional tournaments, including the Spanish Open at the end of September and the Dunhill Links Championship the following week. His goal is to secure qualification for both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, which are slated to occur in November.

 

In summary, Koepka’s return to the DP World Tour for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, along with his reunion with McIlroy and other notable golfers, promises to add an exciting dimension to the upcoming tournament. His participation highlights the evolving dynamics in professional golf, bridging the gap between LIV Golf and traditional tours.