Brooks Koepka was in a reflective mood after his opening round at LIV Greenbrier, where he sits one shot off the lead, but was quick to point out his struggles this year.
Brooks Koepka did not hold back in expressing his disappointment with his performances in the major championships this season, slamming his flagship event form as ‘horrible’.
In spite of a successful performance in 2023, where Koepka secured two wins on the LIV Golf circuit in Jeddah and Orlando, along with his fifth major title at the PGA Championship held at Oak Hill, he acknowledged a notable decline in his form this season.
During the opening round of LIV Greenbrier on Friday, Koepka appeared to regain his top form, achieving an impressive six-under-par 64, placing him just one stroke behind the leaders, Sebastian Munoz, Talor Gooch, and Jason Kokrak.
However, he did not shy away from reflecting on his downturn in major form in 2024. Post-round, the Smash GC captain admitted, “This year has not been great,” he commented. “This year has been actually very disappointing. I haven’t played anywhere what I want to play.”
“Played absolutely horrible in all the majors and only won once out here, so that’s not anywhere where I want it.” Despite making the cut at each of the four majors, Koepka failed to really make his mark at the top of the leaderboards, a rarity in the American’s impressive career.
In his initial significant appearance, he concluded the Masters in 45th place, followed by two consecutive tied-26th finishes at the PGA Championship and the US Open. He harbored aspirations of securing a sixth major title in 2024 at The Open Championship; however, he could only manage a tie for 46th at Royal Troon.
Despite these challenges, Koepka’s prospects are not entirely bleak, as he had a commendable start at Greenbrier on Friday. With the regular season nearing its conclusion after the upcoming event in Chicago later this month, Koepka is determined to enhance his position in the individual standings with two rounds remaining this weekend.
Currently positioned in 10th place on the Order of Merit, the former PGA Tour veteran has bolstered his Singapore victory with three top-10 finishes this season. Additionally, Koepka’s team is ranked seventh, aiming for success in the forthcoming Team Championship finale.
Koepka and his teammates experienced a strong beginning at Greenbrier, leading the team standings. However, when asked about the possibility of securing an automatic bye for the upcoming Team Championship through continued strong performances, Koepka emphasized his primary focus on individual achievement. “I don’t think we’re considering that,” he stated.
“I believe everyone here is focused on performing well and winning individually, and ultimately, if all four of us have a chance to win, we should be in a good position. It’s not something I’m particularly thinking about. While it would be nice to secure that, our goal is to finish as high as possible. I am uncertain if finishing first is even feasible. I doubt it. However, we aim to conclude the year on a strong and positive note.”