Plenty of players have faced heavy criticism for joining LIV Golf over the past few years, and the league hasn’t done much to change those opinions.
After his split from TaylorMade, Koepka reportedly signed a massive deal with LIV. But even with the big payday, his time with them didn’t really work out as planned.
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“It was a lot of off-course stress,” Koepka told Golf Digest. “There was just so much going on behind the scenes that it made it very difficult.”
Brooks Koepka’s reception from fans at the Farmers Insurance Open
Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
Koepka found himself in a familiar position for Tiger Woods, as the clear centre of attention at Torrey Pines. No one generated more discussion before play started, with plenty of eyes on how he’d handle his return to the PGA Tour.
The 35-year-old was always facing an uphill battle in terms of performance, and it’s not surprising there were some nerves. Even so, he likely expected some pushback from fans after his move back from LIV Golf.
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But according to Todd Lewis on the Golf Channel Podcast, Koepka got a very warm response in California.
“First off, I think it was a very emotional week for Brooks Koepka. You kind of sensed that emotion. When we talked earlier in the week, he was really, really nervous about that press conference that he had on Tuesday because he was not only addressing the media but fans and his fellow tour players as well. And he knew he had to answer some tough questions,” Lewis said.
“But I felt like he did so with humility and gratitude for the PGA Tour for forging a path for him to come back. Once he got through that, then he started thinking about getting ready for this tournament.
“And that first day on Thursday when he played the South Course – welcome back to the PGA Tour and get your butt out here on one of the toughest tracks on the circuit. I think he was very nervous on that first tee, and I think mainly because he was unsure how the fans were going to receive him.
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“Were they going to be cynical? Were they going to call him out? Were they going to heckle him? But I’m telling you 99.9 per cent of time – actually I didn’t hear anything negative.”
The positive crowd reaction to Brooks Koepka at Torrey Pines may have influenced LIV Golf players
Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour was met with support from fans, and there will be plenty of players on LIV who took notice of that.
There is still a lot we don’t know about how many people regret joining LIV Golf. With Koepka and Patrick Reed recently leaving, it seems likely that more players will have some regrets.
It’s also not clear how quickly other LIV golfers could make their way back. Kevin Na, for example, might still have a long wait before he can play another PGA Tour event.
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If more opportunities open up for players to return in the future, Koepka’s experience at Torrey Pines might encourage those thinking about making the switch back.
It probably won’t be the only reason someone chooses to come back to the PGA Tour. But it could play a part in helping them feel welcomed again.
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