By Frank Pingue
BROOKLINE, Mass. (Reuters) – Twice champion Brooks Koepka criticised the media on Tuesday for constant questions about the LIV Golf Invitational Series that he said were only serving to throw a “black cloud” on this week’s U.S. Open.
Koepka, whose younger brother Chase played in the inaugural LIV event last week outside London, where even the last-place finisher earned $120,000, got frustrated when asked about the chances of joining him on the lucrative series.
“I’m here at the U.S. Open. I’m ready to play U.S. Open, and I think it kind of sucks, too, you are all throwing this black cloud over the U.S. Open,” said Koepka.
“It’s one of my favorite events. I don’t know why you guys keep doing that. The more legs you give it, the more you keep talking about it.”
The PGA Tour has already suspended members who decided to join the Saudi-backed LIV series, which has lured players over with a $255 million purse spread over eight events this year, and said others who make the jump will face the same fate.
Koepka said he has yet to discuss the LIV experience with his brother but followed his progress during the first event of a series that threatens to blow apart men’s professional golf.
“Obviously, LIV is trying to make a big push for golf,” said Koepka. “Look, I mean, I love my brother. I support him in anything he does. It’s family. I’ll always love and support him. Whatever he does, I’m cheering for him.”
Toward the end of his pre-tournament news conference Koepka, who has battled a number of injuries in recent years, said he had not given much thought as to whether there was a dollar figure that would convince him to join LIV.
When a reporter expressed surprise at that, Koepka again expressed his frustrations for the interest in LIV in the lead-up to the year’s third major.
“I don’t understand. I’m trying to focus on the U.S. Open, man. I legitimately don’t get it. I’m tired of the conversations. I’m tired of all this stuff,” said Koepka.
“Like I said, y’all are throwing a black cloud on the U.S. Open. I think that sucks. … We’re here to play, and you are talking about an event that happened last week.”
Koepka, who in his last two starts missed the cut at the Masters and finished in a share of 55th at the PGA Championship, will play the first two rounds with Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and Australian Cameron Smith.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Brookline, Massachusetts; Editing by Toby Davis)
