North Plains, Ore. – Four-time major champion Brooks Kopka said on Tuesday that he did not agree to join the LIV golf invitation series after playing at the US Open two weeks ago.
Kopka – Speaking at a press conference ahead of the first LIV golf tournament in the United States, which begins Thursday at Pumpkin Ridge outside Portland, Oregon – said he is doing more to recover physically by playing in fewer events. Time was running out.
Koepka had earlier maintained its allegiance to the PGA Tour. When asked about the Saudi Arabia-funded LIV golf circuit, he said in February, “Someone will sell and go for it.” Earlier this month, Koepka criticized reporters for asking questions about LIV golf and accused it of throwing a “black cloud” at the US Open.
“Just my opinion, man,” Kopka said Tuesday, when asked why he changed his mind. “My opinion has changed. That’s all. You guys will never believe me, but we didn’t talk until the US Open was over and we found out and just said I’m going one way or the other. I’m here.”
Kopka, 32, has been suffering from knee, buttock and wrist injuries for the past several months. The former World No. 1 golfer is now ranked 19th in the official world golf rankings.
“The last two years I’ve had to go through my knee pain, the pain, the rehabilitation, you know, I need a little more time,” Kopka said. “I’ll be the first to say this: It’s not been easy for the last few years and I think I want to get a little more rest at home to make sure I’m 100% before I go to play. [is good],
Koepka didn’t want to say much about the criticism leveled at Rory McIlroy and other players who have joined LIV Golf, saying earlier that they would not do so. McIlroy called them “duplicates.”
“Look, as a player I have respect for Rory,” Kopka said. “He’s good. He’s extraordinary. I’ll be honest with you. I haven’t seen it. I hadn’t heard of it until the day before. So look, he has the right to vote. He can think whatever he wants. He can do whatever he wants for him and his family.” He will do what is best; I will do what is best for me and my family; and I will not hate anyone for it. “
Kopka and Bryson DeChambeu said they have not resigned from the PGA Tour, while Patrick Reed said they have. Reed, who is the 2018 Masters champion, said he hopes he will still be allowed to take part in the big championships.
“We don’t really know where they all stand,” Reed said. “Being a previous champion at Augusta and having a green jacket, I think I can play there for the rest of my life. I mean, at the end of the day, it’s up to them. “
Kopka added about the Major: “You can play anywhere in the world, you’ll be fine. You’ll join them. I’ve made a decision. I’m happy with it, and whatever happens, I’ll live with it.”
Asked about criticizing Kopka for helping the Saudis with a history of human rights violations by Sportwash LIV golfers, he said people are “allowed to have their own opinion.”
“You know, we’ve heard it,” Kopka said. “I think everyone has it. It’s brought in. But, like we said, look, our only job is to play golf, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to develop the game, do all this. And we We’re trying our best. “
DeChambeu, who received more than $ 100 million to sign with LIV Golf, said he hopes to use some of the money for youth golf and charity. Asked if he cares about the source of funding for Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund, Dechambu said he respects the decisions and comments of others.
Saudis have been accused by human rights groups of atrocities, murder, kidnapping and atrocities against women and other groups. According to US intelligence, the Saudi royal family was also involved in the 2018 abduction and murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.
“Golf is a force for good, and I think as time goes on, hopefully people will see the good they’re doing and what they’re trying to achieve, instead of looking at the bad things that have happened in the past.” “I think it’s important to move on from that, and moving forward and moving forward in a positive light is a good thing for the future of the game.”