‘[Brooks] Would Want Me Back’: Chase Koepka’s LIV Golf Dreams Not Over Yet Despite 474-Day Absence

“I know he’s working hard…I know he’s been trying. We’ve been practicing together quite a bit,” said Brooks Koepka last November. The five-time major winner was talking about his younger brother, Chase. It was almost a year since the golfing world caught up with him. Chase was relegated after a tumultuous 2023 at LIV Golf, managing only one top-25 from 13 starts. 

Sure, the 31-year-old had his moments, the beer shower at Adelaide, the top-ten in 2022 LIV Golf Chicago. But his form hit the skids after a shoulder injury. A year later, the younger Koepka is back in the greens. The comeback hasn’t been as rosy as you would expect.

He missed the cut at the Asian Tour Philippines Open. Now he is teeing off in the Gary Player Course at the DLF Golf Course and Country Club in India. In the LIV Golf International Series India, Chase Koepka opened with 2-under 70, picking five bogeys and seven birdies – three of which came down the stretch from hole 4-6. He might have an uncertain future, but he is certain about one thing. 

Brooks Koepka wants him back on the team. 

Aravind Menon of EssentiallySports asked if he has a LIV Golf future in sight. You know, through the Asian Tour International Series Order of Merit. He needs to rake in a handful of top-ten finishes for that, the first of which looks to be underway in India.

While Chase Koepka accepts it’s going to be tough, especially with his shoulder injury, he has no doubt that the Smash GC captain wants him back. Speaking after the round, in response to that question from Aravind Menon, Koepka said, “My brother would want me back.”

My brother would want me back': Chase Koepka on his future with Smash GC & LIV Golf.
He was relegated from the LIV Golf league in 2023, but is seeking a re-entry after his long hiatus.@SmashGC #LIVGolf @intseriesgolf #DLFGolf #Asiantour pic.twitter.com/27pTJ4kJoJ

— aravind s menon (@TheAravindMenon) January 31, 2025

Actually, there shouldn’t be any doubt. Brooks Koepka has stood by his brother’s side all the time – through injury and rehab. They have been teeing off together in the driving range. And, the five-time major winner was gleaning with pride when Chase achieved a big milestone recently. 

Chase Koepka spoke of brother’s help in a chat with us

Chase Koepka was recently inducted into the University of South Florida Hall of Fame. The entire Koepka family was present at the ceremony. Speaking to the media then, the five-time major winner said, “Honestly, he’s struggling a little bit. I’ve been there. We’ve all been there. Every golfer has. It’s part of it…You look at it, he was playing mini-tour golf 16 months ago. I don’t think the last year and a half has been too bad for him.” 

When we spoke to Chase Koepka, the 31-year-old golfer shared that his family was beside him all the time. “The past 3-4 months have been difficult, but my family, and my fiance supported me.” Currently, the bigger goal is to have a better finish at the LIV Golf International Series India. Then move on to the next tournament. Brooks Koepka, meanwhile, retained Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell for the next season. If Chase is back, he will take the spot replacing one of these two.

The post ‘[Brooks] Would Want Me Back’: Chase Koepka’s LIV Golf Dreams Not Over Yet Despite 474-Day Absence appeared first on EssentiallySports.