As LIV Golf returns to Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong for its highly anticipated Singapore event, the Smash GC team finds itself at the centre of speculation. Led by captain Brooks Koepka, the team—which also features Graeme McDowell, Talor Gooch, and Jason Kokrak—is not only focused on reclaiming their competitive edge but also navigating rumours about Koepka’s future in the professional golf scene.
There has been reports suggesting Koepka is eyeing a return to the PGA Tour. When asked directly about the speculation, Koepka quickly set the record straight.
“Yeah, Fred (Couples) texted me after the comments came out,” Koepka said. “Everybody seems to have their own opinion, and no one asks me.”
While not explicitly ruling out a return to the PGA Tour, Koepka emphasised his current commitment to LIV Golf. “Like I’ve said before, I’m not in those rooms. I’ve got a contract obligation out here to fulfil, and then we’ll see what happens,” he added.
For now, Koepka remains focused on his performance in LIV Golf and improving his game for the upcoming major championships. “Right now, I’m just focused on how do I play better, how do I play better in the majors, how does this team win, and then we’ll figure out next year.”
Smash GC is looking to turn their season around in Singapore. The team, which has yet to hit its stride, sees the Serapong course as the perfect venue for a resurgence.
(L-R)Graeme McDowell, Captain Brooks Koepka and Talor Gooch of Smash GC (centre). (Photo by Charles Laberge/LIV Golf)
“This is one of the best courses we play all year,” said Gooch, who won at Sentosa in 2023. “It fits a ball striker’s game, and it’s nice being back at a place where I’ve had success.”
Koepka, the individual defending champion, echoed those sentiments, noting the challenging layout and the greens. “It’s a good golf course. It challenges a bunch of different aspects of your game,” he said. “You’ve got to drive it well and position yourself nicely. If you don’t make putts inside eight feet, you’re going to be losing strokes to the field.”
Smash GC has struggled to put together four strong rounds in the early stages of the season. Koepka acknowledged the difficulties but remains optimistic.
“We have not played to our potential,” he admitted. “It’s not from a lack of effort. Sometimes, that’s just golf. Counting four scores, it’s difficult if you get two guys that don’t play well on the same day.”
Gooch shared a similar sentiment. “We all know that good golf is coming,” he said. “This game sometimes doesn’t reflect what’s actually happening. You’ve got to be patient.”
McDowell sees LIV’s team format as both a challenge and an advantage. “Back on other tours, it’s just you and your caddie,” he explained. “Here, you look at the other three guys, and you’re trying to help, trying to grind. It nearly makes you more motivated.”
Beyond LIV Golf Singapore, Koepka is set on performing at the majors. However, last year’s performances did not meet his standards.
“I thought last year was a pretty down year,” he admitted. “I didn’t think it was good. The major performances weren’t there. I never really felt like I was in complete control of my golf ball from tee to green.”
This season, he believes his game is in a much better place. “I feel a lot better ball striking-wise, short game-wise, putting-wise,” he said. “Typically, I’m a slow starter. But we’re running out of time here for Augusta, so something better change.”
But for now, the five-time major champion is locked in on the present. “Three tournaments aren’t going to make or break our year,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of road in front of us.”
