Brooks Koepka Has Meltdown Before Abruptly Withdrawing From LIV Golf Event
Brooks Koepka Has Meltdown Before Abruptly Withdrawing From LIV Golf Event originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
While the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club continues with Andrew Putnam, Philip Knowles, and Chris Kirk battling it out at the top, chaos unfolded several states away at LIV Golf Dallas. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka stole headlines, not for brilliance on the course, but for an explosive meltdown that ended in an unexpected withdrawal.
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Koepka, representing Smash GC, was already having a nightmare round at Maridoe Golf Club. After carding triple bogeys on both the fifth and seventh holes, he stood at 6-over par by the front nine.
But it was the ninth hole that saw him snap, literally. Following an errant drive, a frustrated Koepka slammed his club into the ground and smashed a tee marker, sending it flying toward spectators. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the first tee during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Things didn't get better. He bogeyed the 10th and 13th holes before officially withdrawing during the 14th, citing an illness. While LIV later confirmed he could still return over the weekend to contribute to his team's score, Koepka's individual run is likely done.
It's been a frustrating season for the 35-year-old. Koepka missed cuts at both the Masters and PGA Championship and hasn't posted a top-10 finish in a major since 2021. 'It drove me (expletive). It ate at me. I haven't been happy. It's been very irritating,' Koepka admitted earlier this month, speaking on his recent form slump.
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Koepka's outburst isn't the only one seen this week. On the PGA Tour side, Stephan Jaeger went full 'Happy Gilmore,' smashing three clubs in frustration during the Rocket Classic's early rounds.
As both events head into the weekend, Koepka's meltdown is a stark reminder of how brutal this game can be even for the best in the world.
Related: Golfer Narrowly Escapes Having PGA Tour Status Revoked
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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