Four-time Major champion Brooks Koepka is expected to be the next star of golf to join the controversial Saudi Tour LIV. Several English-language media reported on the American’s departure from the PGA Tour.
The Mexican Abraham Ancer will also join LIV. Koepka is currently number 19 in the world, with Ancer one position behind.
Most recently, stars such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and the two-time German major champion Martin Kaymer had joined the LIV tour – despite the human rights violations in Saudi Arabia that have been denounced by many. The defectors were then expelled from the PGA.
In order to fend off the attack of the LIV tour, financed by the Saudis with astronomical sums, the PGA is planning reforms – mainly of a financial nature. According to this, eight existing tournaments are to be massively upgraded to at least $20 million from 2023. In addition, there will be three new tournaments, each of which will earn 25 million dollars for a limited field of participants.
These measures are a clear response to LIV premiums. The LIV opening tournament in London was also endowed with 25 million dollars. There has never been so much money at any PGA event. Overall, the LIV Tour lures in its eight tournaments this year with an incredible total prize money of 250 million dollars.