Chase Koepka hits back at LIV Golf critics with claim about bond with Brooks

23 August 2023 , 15:05

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Chase Koepka hits back at LIV Golf critics with claim about bond with Brooks

Chase Koepka has hit back at critics of LIV Golf, after the American star opened up on his relationship with brother and fellow LIV star Brooks.

Five-time major champion Brooks became one of the biggest names to join the LIV Golf setup last summer, but he is not the only Koepka to tee it up on the breakaway circuit. He was joined by his younger brother Chase, who has played out a much more modest career compared to his sibling.

Despite being the lesser-known Koepka, Chase has been able to reap the reward of earning a spot on the LIV setup, earning just less than £5 million in on-course earnings since joining the Saudi-backed league.

This week, the Smash GC star has turned his attention to the Asian Tour's International Series, as he competes at the St Andrews Bay Championship alongside the likes of Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey. And ahead of the event in Scotland, Koepka opened up on the impact LIV has had on his life.

"Yeah, LIV is life changing. It's a lot of fun," he said. "You're getting to play against some of the best players in the world week in and week out, and guys that have been number one in the world, and won Major championships. I mean, it's awesome to be around those guys, and then the team aspect of it is special.

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Chase Koepka is in Asian Tour action this week (AP)

Joining the LIV setup has allowed him to grow closer to his former world No. 1 brother, with the two Koepkas teammates as part of Smash GC. Discussing their relationship, he added: "My brother is the captain of my team, so it's almost made our bond even closer being on the same team."

Chase has become used to many within the golf world criticising his route into top events thanks to the weight of his name, and LIV Golf has proven no different. "Obviously, I’ve been given a few opportunities that other guys might not have through my brother’s success and the popularity of my name in the golf world," he told Golf Digest back in 2021.

"And, that part of it is awesome. But it comes with a lot of people not being very happy about it.” He will however be keen however to show he is not just 'Brooks Koepka brother', and seemingly has the perfect chance to do so this week when competing in St Andrews.

Joshua Lees