Brooks Koepka bids to do something he's never done before at LIV Golf Jeddah

Brooks Koepka speaks about going for a three-peat at LIV Golf Jeddah, and how pleased he is about his new-look Smash GC in 2024.

Andy Roberts

28 Feb 2024

Brooks Koepka bids to do something he's never done before at LIV Golf Jeddah — Brooks Koepka bids to do something he's never done before at LIV Golf…

Brooks Koepka is determined to do something he has never done before in Saudi Arabia this week as he bids to win LIV Golf Jeddah for the third time in a row at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

Koepka, 33, landed his maiden LIV Golf title in Jeddah with playoff victory over Peter Uihlein in 2022.

He then won LIV Golf Jeddah last season once again in a playoff over Talor Gooch.

It should be noted that both of Koepka's past wins at LIV Golf Jeddah came in October.

The staging of the 2024 LIV Golf Jeddah tournament was shifted forwards to February this season.

Brooks Koepka bids to win LIV Golf Jeddah three times in a row

Koepka has twice had the opportunity to win the same tournament three times in a row.

The first chance came at the 2019 US Open and he came agonisingly close with a runner-up finish to Gary Woodland, who won by three strokes.

Koepka then had another shot to win the US PGA three times in a row in 2020 but he finished 10 shots behind Collin Morikawa in T29.

Having gone 0-2 for three-peats, Koepka is determined to make it third time lucky at LIV Golf Jeddah this week.

Koepka said:

"It's hard to win alone, and then to back it up is pretty tough, but to have a chance at a three-peat -- I'm 0 for 2, so hopefully change it this week."

He added:

"A lot of it comes down to luck. Obviously playing good is a huge thing. This golf course, the way the wind blows, you can get out of position pretty quickly.

"You've just got to understand where to miss it, I think, around here is a huge thing, and always making sure you're either chipping into the wind or putting back into the wind. Got to control your ball flight, control where you put it, and make sure you miss it on the correct side."

Koepka is going in search of his fourth career title on LIV Golf having also won in Orlando last season.

On playing LIV Golf Jeddah in its new February fixture as opposed to October, Koepka thinks the golf course will play a little softer but that the wind direction will remain the same.

Koepka said:

"I only played the back nine today. It seems like it's in very good shape for this time of year. I don't think I've seen it in better shape.

"The fairways are phenomenal. Maybe a little bit softer than what it's been probably in October. It'll be interesting. The wind direction is still the same."

Koepka also spoke of his delight at how his new-look Smash GC has very quickly bought into his team ethos.

The five-time major champion acquired the services of Graeme McDowell and Talor Gooch for the 2024 season.

Out went his brother Chase Koepka, who got relegated, and also Matt Wolff, who the captain never saw eye-to-eye with.

Koepka labelled Wolff a "wasted talent" last summer, questioning whether he was as dedicated to perform at the highest level as the rest of the team.

Jason Kokrak remained on Smash GC.

Smash GC wasted little time in showing their class and new team bond as they ran away with LIV Golf Las Vegas earlier this month.

Koepka is hoping for more of the same in Saudi Arabia this week.

The former World No.1 said:

"We wanted to put a group of guys that, first off, know how to win. I think that's important. You've got to be able to cross that finish line. You've got guys that have been in those spots, won major championships, guys that are going to compete for them for years and years, and guys that aren't afraid. I think that's a huge thing.

"You look at this whole team, and I don't think anybody is going to back down. They've got a chance to -- if they've got a chance to win, they're going to put their foot on the pedal and go. That's what we want.

"It's also just a very easy group of guys to be around, sitting around even for lunch just talking about random stuff. Life, whatever it is. I feel like we're all very close. I've gotten with J over the last four of five years. I've known G-Mac for 10 years now, been pretty close. Talor, obviously just getting to know him even better more recently. It's been the perfect addition. I'm beyond thrilled, and I'm happy to have them."

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