Brooks Koepka has admitted that he “enjoys the chaos” following a whirlwind week which saw the PGA Tour announce a merger with LIV Golf.
Koepka was one of a number of high-profile players to make the switch to join the Saudi-funded breakaway league last year. He was joined by the likes of Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia.
It was confirmed on June 6 that the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour will be merging with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, which provides the financial backbone for LIV. The news came as a shock to a lot of people in the sport, with players themselves seemingly aware of the deal until it was announced.
As a result, there is uncertainty over how the world of golf will look once the new for-profit company is formed with the merger. It’s been reported, though, that LIV still expect to continue their plans for the 2024 season.
This week marks the first major championship since the news of the merger was announced, with the US Open taking place at the Los Angeles Golf Club. Koepka is looking to win his sixth major title following on from his triumph at the PGA Championship last month and will play alongside PGA Tour loyalist Rory McIlroy in one of the most interesting opening round pairings.
The 33-year-old has already won two US Open titles in his career, with his last coming back in 2018. And amid the uncertainty around the future of golf, Koepka says he "enjoys the chaos" with all eyes set to be on him and McIlroy in Thursday's round.
“Like I’ve said, the more chaotic things get the easier it gets for me,” Koepka told reporters at a press conference this week.
“Everything starts to slow down and I am able to focus on whatever I need to focus on while everybody else is dealing with distractions, worried about other things. I think there’s a few reasons (I peak at majors), but I think it’s definitely one of them. I enjoy the chaos.”
Koepka already has an impressive C.V. when it comes to major championships. He may not have the Masters or the Open in his collection just yet, but he is already targeting getting to double figures in major wins.
Only three players have won at least 10 major titles in their careers in Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Walter Hagen. Winning a sixth major would put Koepka in the same bracket as Michelson, Sir Nick Faldo and Lee Trevino.
“Growing up you knew how many majors Jack (Nicklaus) has, you knew how many Tiger (Woods) has, you knew how many Arnold Palmer has, you knew how many Gary Player, (Tom) Watson, all these legends,” Koepka said.
“But I never knew how many PGA Tour events or wins they had total.
“That’s what you’re judged on. It’s major championships. You look at basketball, you’re judged on how many championships you’ve won, not how many games you’ve won. Same thing in every sport.
“Double digits, that’s what I’m trying to get to. I don’t think it’s out of the question for me. I think the way I’ve prepared, the way I’ve kind of suited my game for these things is going to help me.
“And I’m only 33, so I’ve definitely got quite a bit of time. I’ve just got to stay healthy and keep doing what I’m doing.”
