Brooks Koepka makes expected decision ahead of PGA Championship

Brooks Koepka has added next week’s ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic to his schedule as he fine-tunes preparations for the PGA Championship.

The five-time major champion will tee it up at Dunes Golf and Beach Club from 7–10 May, opting for competitive reps in an alternate-field event running opposite the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club.

Koepka is ineligible for Signature Events under the terms of his return to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf earlier this season, meaning he cannot accept sponsor exemptions into limited-field tournaments such as next week's Truist Championship or this week's Cadillac Championship.

Both the Truist Championship and Cadillac Championship carry tournament purses of $20m, while the Myrtle Beach Classic is five times less. 

The 35-year-old American had initially travelled to Trump National Doral this week as a potential late alternate, but with multiple withdrawals unlikely, the visit is expected to serve as preparation rather than competition. 

Koepka's nearby residence in Jupiter, Florida, made the decision straightforward.

Since rejoining the PGA Tour, Koepka has made eight starts, recording one top-10 finish at the Cognizant Classic, alongside four top-20s and three missed cuts. 

He narrowly missed out on a place at the RBC Heritage as first alternate, while recent form includes a tie for 12th at The Masters and a missed cut at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

With many of the game’s leading players competing at Quail Hollow — or opting to rest, including world number one Scottie Scheffler — Koepka is expected to be among the favourites in Myrtle Beach.

Koepka's decision to tee it up in the alternate-field event suggest he is prioritising competitive sharpness ahead of the PGA Championship, which begins on 14 May at Aronimink Golf Club.

Victory in Myrtle Beach would mark a landmark 10th career PGA Tour and secure Koepka entry into the remaining Signature Events this season, including the Memorial Tournament and the Travelers Championship.

Koepka is a three-time winner of the PGA Championship and has recorded three additional top-five finishes in the tournament, underlining his pedigree heading into the season’s second major.