Koepka cites injuries, family for Saudi defection

NORTH PLAINS, ORE. » Four months after suggesting those who defected to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series were sellouts, Brooks Koepka explained that he simply changed his mind.

Koepka signed with LIV Golf last week for its first event on American soil, which starts Thursday at Pumpkin Ridge west of Portland.

It was a stunning reversal for the four-time major champion, who was once an outspoken critic of the fledgling series that seeks to challenge the PGA Tour.

“Opinions change. I feel very comfortable with the decision I made. I’m happy, and did what’s best for me,” Koepka said.

In February, Koepka said of LIV Golf: “They’ll get their guys. Somebody will sell out and go to it.”

Former world No. 1 and fellow four-time major winner Rory McIlroy suggested last week that Koepka and others were duplicitous “to say one thing and then do another thing.”

“Look, he’s entitled to his opinion. He can think whatever he wants,” Koepka responded. “He’s going to do what’s best for him and his family, I’m going to do what’s best for me and my family. Can’t hate on anybody for that, and like I said, opinions change, man.”

Koepka cited a knee injury that has taken a toll and the desire to spend more time with his family as factors in his decision. He did not mention the multimillion-dollar signing bonuses LIV Golf — which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund — has handed to players. Koepka is one of the biggest names, along with Dustin Johnson and six-time major champion Phil Mickelson.

And there’s more money to be made: The 48-man field will compete for a $20 million purse, with an additional $5 million prize fund for a team competition. Charl Schwartzel won the inaugural event outside London and took home $4.75 million. LIV tournaments are played over 54 holes with no cut, and even the lastplace finisher gets paid.

Players who spoke to reporters on Tuesday skirted questions about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

“I understand the topics you’re trying to bring up, and they’re horrible events, but I’m here to play golf. That’s my deal,” said Pat Perez, a three-time PGA Tour winner who also spoke against LIV Golf before changing his mind. “I’ve got an opportunity to play golf, and that’s it.”

Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open champion, pointed to the good he plans to do in his community with the money he’s making from LIV Golf.