The PGA Tour is enjoying a rare week off, so 11 of the 12 U.S. Ryder Cup players will likely be practicing at home in preparation for the clash next week with Team Europe. Brooks Koepka will not be practicing at Rich Harvest Farms. The venue for the 2023 LIV Golf Chicago, the 12th event of the 14-event season, is the site.
Koepka is the only LIV player selected to compete in the 2023 Ryder Cup. The American captain Zach Johnson was left with the difficult decision of whether to include an LIV golfer on his team. Koepka held the sixth automatic qualification spot for the American team until the BMW Championship.
Koepka dropped to seventh due to a lack in scoring opportunities, but Johnson was convinced by his PGA Championship victory and second place finish at the Masters that he deserved to be selected to the 12-man team.
“I am a pick, this year. A little different.” Koepka told reporters Wednesday that he would have preferred to win the tournament on his own, but it was very close. “I’m just happy to be part of the team. We were in Rome about a week ago. Good trip. The majority of guys were there. I got to see the course. “It’s a little difficult, but I think it will be fascinating to see how it is set up.”
The pending merger between the PGA Tour of America and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund also helped to increase his chances of donning the red,white and blue. The PGA of America is responsible for the U.S. Ryder Cup, but the pending merger made it more acceptable to have LIV golfers in the team. Koepka has shown that he is healthy again, and a healthy Koepka can be dangerous, especially in the major events. Koepka’s career has been marked by his ability to perform well on large stages. The Ryder Cup is one of those big stages.
“I think this is one of the six or seven biggest sporting events that you could have. “I like when there are a few more eyes, and a bit more pressure,” said he.
The team golf experience at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is different from that of LIV.
“The whole team concept is obviously different. “Sometimes you don’t get to play in every match, so you cheer from the side. This can also be fun,” he said. “I have enjoyed it. “It’s been great, and I look forward to it.”
Koepka has also been learning about fatherhood. At the LIV 48-man field, he finished tied for 38th place at the last tournament. This was just a few days after and his wife Jena welcomed to the world. He says that becoming a father has “definitely” changed him.
What are the ways?
“You begin to see him and you realize that it is more about the work that goes on behind closed doors that no one can see. I don’t think he should see anyone as lazy or dragging their feet. You will eventually get results if you work hard, no matter what you do,” Koepka stated. “I’m trying to be a good role model. I know that he is only 2 months old, and has no idea about it now. But as you grow older, things become a lot simpler. “I just want him see what hardwork is.”
