LIV Golf confirm Brooks Koepka has joined the lucrative Saudi-backed breakaway league

LIV Golf confirm Brooks Koepka has switched sides to join the lucrative Saudi-backed breakaway league and former world No 1 will play in their first American event in Portland next week

  • Brooks Koepka will play in the first LIV Series to be staged in America
  • Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau have also signed up
  • The PGA Tour has suspended members who signed up to play with LIV Golf 

Former world number one Brooks Koepka has joined the lucrative LIV Golf Invitational Series and the four-times major champion will compete in their second event in Portland, the Saudi-backed breakaway league said on Wednesday.

Koepka joins a list of top players including six-times major champion Phil Mickelson, former world number one Dustin Johnson and former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau who have joined LIV Golf.

‘There’s no understating the impact that Brooks Koepka has had on the game of golf in the last five years. He carries a championship pedigree and record of success as one of the most elite players in the world,’ said LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman.

Former world No 1 Brooks Koepka (above) has joined the controversial LIV Golf Series

‘The addition of Brooks is yet another example of the incredible fields LIV Golf is assembling as we build momentum in our first season and look towards the future.’

The PGA Tour — on which American Koepka has won eight titles — has suspended members who signed up to play with LIV Golf and said others who follow suit will face the same fate.

The LIV Series will play its first American event in Portland, Oregon from June 30-July 2 at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, going head-to-head with the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic.

The 32-year-old claimed his fourth major title at the US PGA Championship in 2019

The 32-year-old claimed his fourth major title at the US PGA Championship in 2019

When Koepka was asked about LIV Golf at the U.S. Open last week, the 32-year-old criticised the media for constant questions on the issue, saying they only served to throw a ‘black cloud’ over the year’s third major.

Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf held its first event in London this month which was won by South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel, who pocketed the $4 million prize — the biggest pay cheque in golf history.

Koepka’s younger brother Chase also played in the inaugural event where the last-placed golfer pocketed $120,000. 

Koepka - pictured with wife, actress Jena Sims - has earned $37.9million in career prize money

Koepka – pictured with wife, actress Jena Sims – has earned $37.9million in career prize money

The recruitment of Koepka to rebel series is a massive boost for LIV Golf chief Greg Norman

The recruitment of Koepka to rebel series is a massive boost for LIV Golf chief Greg Norman