Despite the $8M Crown, Brooks Koepka Joins a Hapless List With Underperforming Phil Mickelson

The LIV Jeddah tournament has finally come to an end, with Brooks Koepka claiming a roaring victory, earning $8 million and securing third place in the season-long points race. Yet, irrespective of the American pro’s win though, a tragedy has hit the Smash GC team, which now puts its captain on the same plinth as the HyFlyers’s Phil Michelson, with both players seemingly sharing the same fate.

The Jeddah event was the final regular series event of this year’s LIV Golf Series. With a revamped relegation and promotion system in place, few members would be replaced, and among them are some of Koepka and Mickelson’s dear teammates.

Brooks Koepka’s triumph in Jeddah comes with a sibling struggle

Defending champion Brooks Koepka secured his third LIV Golf victory by defending his Jeddah crown with a playoff win. The 2023 PGA Championship winner won the title by fending off a challenge from Talor Gooch and finished at 14-under. His triumph marked his fourth worldwide win since ending a 20-month drought last season. 

Gooch gave Koepka a tough competition, but Koepka’s clutch birdie efforts forced a playoff, where he emerged victorious on the second extra hole. Gooch, however, claimed the season-long crown, winning the individual race with three victories. 

On a somber note, the day looked very unfortunate for players like Chase Koepka, Jediah Morgan, HyFlyers GC’s James Piot, and Sihwan Kim. A tweet by LIV Golf Nation on Twitter updated the fans about the players being relegated due to their 2023 performance. 

Smash GC’s Chase Koepka has been relegated because of finishing the regular season inside the dreaded ‘Drop Zone’. Chase saw a rough season this year as he finished last among the 48-player field, leading to his relegation from the league. 

As Chase navigates this challenging phase in his professional journey, his brother has openly shared his sentiments regarding Chase’s predicament.

Chase Koepka receives no professional backing from brother Brooks Koepka

After Chase Koepka’s LIV Golf Jeddah performance, he is relegated from the LIV Golf circuit, and while one might expect some words of comfort from his brother, Brooks Koepka, that doesn’t seem to be the case. 

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Chase has struggled throughout the 2023 season and now has been relegated by LIV Golf Jeddah. He had hoped for a strong performance in Jeddah to secure his spot. However, with just one point earned this year and after finishing last among the 48-player field, Chase’s chances looked bleak. 

Brooks, who just won the LIV Golf Jeddah, recently, in an interview, acknowledged his brother’s struggles but emphasized that there was nothing he could do to alter the situation. Regardless of Chase’s tough year though, Brooks has recognized his effort, especially his transition from mini-tour golf just 16 months ago. 

Chase will have an opportunity to compete in the relegation playoff event this winter, offering a chance at redemption in the Saudi-backed league.

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