Brooks Koepka takes aim at LIV Golf after rebel's "biggest win" was snubbed

13 October 2023 , 19:27

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Brooks Koepka is not happy with the LIV Golf format (Image: AP)

Brooks Koepka has questioned the format of LIV Golf's season-long standings, after the American's PGA Championship win earned no points in the league's Order of Merit.

The 2023 regular LIV campaign comes to an end in Jeddah this week, with Cam Smith, Talor Gooch and Bryson DeChambeau the only three players who can get their hands on the £15million ($18m) winning prize. Between them the leading trio have seven wins on the breakaway circuit this year.

Koepka meanwhile has one LIV Golf event so far this season coming in Orlando in April, but soon added to his 2023 tally by winning his fifth major title at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill.

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There is no doubt Koepka's win in New York was the biggest of any LIV golfer this season, but the major victory has no bearing on his spot in the Saudi-backed league's individual standings. The American does have a chance to make his way into the top three in the standings with an impressive showing in Saudi Arabia this week.

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Despite this, Koepka has could not care less about making it onto the podium, after being left less than impressed with the lack of recognition for his major win. "No, just trying to play good golf. Couldn't care less," Koepka said after being quizzed on his hopes of making it into third.

Brooks Koepka won the PGA Championship this year (AP)

"The majors don't count, so that's a big stick-to-ya. I know they do in the FedExCup [on the PGA Tour]. I mean, on that front, it is kind of disappointing. I feel like that was the biggest win of the year, and it doesn't count for anything out here."

Regardless of his frustrations, Koepka impressed on day one of the penultimate event of the year in Jeddah as he finds himself one shot behind Marc Leishman. The Ryder Cup star carded a fine four-under-par 66 in his opening round, which included four birdies and two bogeys in the Saudi capital.

The highlight of Koepka's opening round came at the par-four seventh after he landed an eagle-two in strong winds at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club. The five-time major champion finds himself in a three-way tie for second alongside ex-Ryder Cup teammate Dustin Johnson and fellow countryman Harold Varner III.

Joshua Lees