Brooks Koepka has been involved in a golf rule controversy at LIV Golf Houston. The 5-time major champion was on his 4th hole of the opening round when his ball was stuck in the rough right beside the greens. The ball could not stay stationary through the slippery slope for Koepka to chip it on the greens.

The 34-year-old repeatedly picked up the ball and placed it to find a still position. The LIV Golfcasters explained the ruling behind the situation. In Brooks Koepka’s case, the broadcaster explained, the ball didn’t stay still in the first position it landed in, so Koepka tried to move it twice and find a stationary position.

However, since that was not possible either, he found an adjacent and stable position right below the first lie. Even per the USGA golf rules, exceptions are given when the ball is not still and a golfer cannot continue his shot without the ball coming to rest. Eventually, Brooks Koepka found the spot and hit it to suffice with a birdie.

As the round was being live-streamed on YouTube, a few minutes after his hole mishap, the clip of Brooks Koepka went viral on X handle. The golf fans were questioning if the 5-time major winner’s actions were in line with the rules, while many disregarded the entire event as it was a LIV Golf tournament.

Golf world calls Brooks Koepka’s ball placement ‘illegal’

Per the USGA, the ball should be played as it lies. However, there are exceptions to Rule 9, as the LIV Golf rule official tried to explain. Brooks Koepka could not, from his perspective, find the ball at rest. However, as many discredit LIV Golf for allowing players to wear shots and for different formats, this time too, the golf fans were taking a dig at the breakaway league. This fan calls out the uniqueness of LIV said, “It’s just Liv and he’s wearing shorts…….. at that stage anything goes why worry about rules of golf ……………just remember to get some more beers from the drinks cart …….” 

Was Brooks Koepka’s ball placement illegal? If you asked this viewer, then yes. They declared it as such and said, “Illegal placement of ball – he should be banned from the sport for life and forced to forfeit the Liv contract.” It seemed a pretty harsh punishment for a totally acceptable rule in golf’s rule book.

LIV Golf stands out in the world of golf for not adhering to many golf traditions, whether it be their 54-hole format, limited field, or shotgun start, to name a few. The breakaway league has certainly garnered a lot of fans over the years, thanks to their new approach. However, it has also been called out for the very same reason and labeled exhibition golf by many golf enthusiasts and critics. This fan once again described the league as such. And they were not shocked by Koepka’s continuous ball lift because they commented, “Cheating in an exhibition. Sounds like company scramble activity. I mean, we already have the shotgun start so why not huh???” 

As apparent, LIV Golf stands far apart from the conventional golf game, which might be seen on the PGA Tour. Seeing an exception take place on the breakaway circuit, did leave some users bewildered. This golf enthusiast being overwhelmed by LIV Golf’s existence and Koepka’s call pick, frustratingly said, “BS. That’s my thought. LIV is making a mockery of the great game of golf.” One sarcastically suggested that since rules are not followed, “It’s exhibition golf. He should move it into the fairway!” 

Was Brooks Koepka cheating? What did you take out of the 5-time major winner following a rule. Did you also find that Koepka was taking advantage? Tell us in the comments.