Brooks Koepka opens up on harsh LIV Golf reality amid PGA Tour comeback

Brooks Koepka admits his return to the PGA Tour environment has highlighted just how different life on LIV Golf has been — particularly when it comes to equipment support.

The five-time major champion recently ended his four-year partnership with Dunlop Sports Americas, the parent company of Srixon and Cleveland Golf, leaving him without a club deal for the first time in years.

While Koepka spoke warmly about his relationship with Srixon, he acknowledged becoming a free agent again has reminded him of an earlier stage in his career.

“It's different. I had a great time with Srixon. They were fantastic,” Koepka told reporters this week. 

“Four years, it flew by. Yeah, it was great. But, yeah, just going to get back to where I was I felt like. I'm trying to think, '17 and pretty much '21 I was a free agent.”

Koepka then offered a revealing insight into one aspect of LIV Golf that players rarely discuss publicly — the lack of manufacturer presence and equipment testing opportunities compared to the PGA Tour.

“Over the last few years there's been no equipment trucks. There's been no anything, so I don't really know what's out there,” he said.

“I haven't given it too much thought as of right now just because it's so fresh. Just trying to focus on just going to play good golf.

“But, yeah, with equipment trucks, everything, it's kind of eye-opening when you come back, because I don't think people realize that, at least I didn't — how much stuff is out there and the opportunity you might have.”

Koepka is currently competing in the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic, an opposite-field PGA Tour event, as he continues his route back into full PGA Tour status.

Under the terms of his “Returning Member Program”, Koepka is not eligible for sponsor invitations into Signature Events. 

He had hoped to earn starts as an alternate in both the RBC Heritage and the Truist Championship, but failed to get into either field.

The former world number one enters the final round at Myrtle Beach at 11-under par, five shots behind leader Mark Hubbard and firmly inside the top 10.

Koepka is searching for a 10th PGA Tour title as he looks to rebuild his world ranking, which currently stands at 127th. 

Next week, attention turns to the PGA Championship at Aronimink, where Koepka will attempt to win a sixth major title and claim a fourth Wanamaker Trophy.

Koepka fancies his chances, too. 

“I’m super excited. It will be something I’ve been looking forward to for a while,” Koepka said. 

“I feel like I’ve been knocking on the door. It’s very close. It’s one piece here, one piece there.”