Brooks Koepka gave himself the perfect birthday present last year by winning the individual LIV Golf Singapore trophy for a league-leading fourth title. To make the occasion even more special, the Smash GC captain lifted a LIV Golf trophy in front of his son for the first time.
The 2025 edition of LIV Golf Singapore, taking place March 14-16, may have moved to an earlier date, yet Koepka remains arguably the player to beat. In addition to his two-shot victory last year over Ripper GC duo Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman, the American placed third and just one stroke behind champion Talor Gooch in the event’s 2023 debut.
Clearly, the Serapong course suits Koepka’s game, as does the competition format. Koepka is, after all, the league’s only five-time event winner.
Speaking about his 2024 Singapore triumph ahead of his return to Sentosa Golf Club, the five-time major winner said: “It was a good win, and I was excited about that. I felt like it came at a good time; my game started trending. I was happy the way I played that back nine, that was crucial.
“It’s a tough finish the last six holes there. You’ve got to put the ball in the right spots, you’ve got to drive it well and position it well off the tee to even have a chance to play well. So it was a good week, I putted very well that week and happy to walk away with the ‘W’.”
Making a successful week in Singapore truly memorable was the fact Koepka was able to experience a first victory with his son Crew present.
Individual Champion Captain Brooks Koepka of Smash GC. (Photo by Charles Laberge/LIV Golf)
Reminiscing on that moment, Koepka, 34, said: “It’s always nice when your family is there, and it was the first time the little man was there when I won so that was pretty cool. He’s watched me finish 45th, which is kind of embarrassing. I’ve always dreamed of having Jenna and Crew there when I win. To have them there was super special and something I’ll never forget.”
As LIV Golf makes its third appearance in Singapore, it will visit one of the world’s finest golf courses. Sentosa Golf Club was named World’s Best Course 2023 by the World Golf Awards and was again shortlisted last year.
Offering his thoughts on the course, Koepka added: “It’s a pure golf course. You look at that whole front side, it’s all about positioning and being in the right spot, making sure you either hit the fairway or you’re positioned correctly. That’s what I think a good golf course tests you.”
Captain Phil Mickelson of HyFlyers GC. (Photo by LIV Golf)
Phil Mickelson is also looking forward to returning to Singapore and Sentosa Golf Club. The HyFlyers GC captain, one of golf’s greatest players ever, is a passionate advocate of taking the sport into new territories and inspiring the next generation. The American believes visiting places like Singapore will only benefit golf’s long-term future.
Mickelson, 54, said: “Singapore is one of our favourite stops. It’s such a great city-country; incredible food, incredible things to do, great support for the tournament. We really enjoy our time there, and Sentosa is a world-class golf course that we all love playing.”
On the impact of hosting tournaments in places like Singapore, the six-time major champion added: “Being able to come here and bring professional golf at the highest level to different parts of Asia… it’s a huge part of the growth of the game. Bringing this level of play to these parts of Asia and seeing the young kids and their eyes, the way they look at you and how much they love golf and how much they want to get out here, that’s a big part in the long-term success of the game.”
