Forced To Leave Brother’s Side, Brooks Koepka’s Sibling Was Plagued With Problems But Always Had a Crucial LIV Helpline

When you hear the name Koepka, the first person that comes to mind is probably Brooks Koepka. But for golf enthusiasts, his sibling, Chase Koepka, might also ring a bell. After Koepka Jr. made his wild ace at the party hole at LIV Adelaide in 2023 while playing for Smash GC, he struggled to find any form. He finished 48th from 50 players on the season-long standings in 2023 and was relegated. Towards the end of that year, Chase shared his goals.

They included the LIV Golf Promotions (qualifying school) event and leveraging his status as a former LIV player on the Asian Tour for 2024. He was even gearing up for it. However, during the off-season, Chase Koepka started experiencing pain from a chronic shoulder injury, which also spread to his neck.

“I tried hitting balls to get ready for the promotions event, and I couldn’t make a full swing,” Chase recalled in a recent interview with Golf Digest. This prompted him to visit Dr Neal ElAttrante, a renowned orthopedic surgeon who’s worked with high-profile athletes like Tom Brady, and the late Kobe Bryant. After running some tests, Chase was diagnosed with nerve damage in his shoulder, stemming from his neck and extending to his fingers.

The Smash GC captain’s brother underwent a serious surgery, followed by four months of rehabilitation. “I had to learn how to pick things up again and learn how to squeeze my hand again,” he said. It wasn’t until before Thanksgiving last November that Chase was able to hit balls again. But what’s remarkable is that Chase Koepka, received unwavering support from his brother, Brooks Koepka, even when Koepka was facing his own challenges.

Chase revealed how his elder brother helped him recover from nerve damage in his shoulder. His advice was simple – take it slow! “Brooks was adamant that I shouldn’t rush back. He kept saying, ‘You have the time, so use it to your advantage. Get healthy and find your passion for the game again.'”  But the 34-year-old’s guidance went beyond golf. Chase recalled Brooks taking off “his golf hat and was just a good brother to me.” Given Brooks’ experience with injury recovery – having shattered his kneecap and torn his medial patellofemoral ligament in 2021 – his advice carried significant weight.

Chase also said, “It’s a cool bond we have. No matter what, we always have each other’s backs.” And we do not doubt that! This is why the younger Koepka didn’t play a single tournament in 2024. His last formal start came at LIV’s season-ending event in Miami in November 2023.

But now, as he has recovered, the younger Koepka has good news! It looks like his hole-in-one time is coming back! Why?

Chase Koepka is returning to play alongside Brooks Koepka

Chase Koepka is set to return to competition on Thursday at Manila Southwoods G. & C.C., marking a significant milestone in his journey back to professional golf. He’s been diligently practicing around the Jupiter area with his brother. And now as Chase prepares for the Asian Tour’s 2025 season opener, he’s armed with sage advice from his older brother.

“Brooks said, ‘Have zero expectations these first couple of weeks. Don’t try to be anybody else. Just see where the ball is going, go hit it again, and enjoy it.'” This advice will undoubtedly serve Chase well as he navigates his return to competition.

Last November, Chase was inducted into the University of South Florida Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding college golf achievements. The entire Koepka family attended the ceremony, celebrating Chase’s excellence in golf and his inclusion in the Class of 2024 alongside three other accomplished athletes from the university.

Are you excited to see Chase Koepka on the course again? Let us know below!