Brooks Koepka draws crowds at LIV Golf Chicago event, prepares for Ryder Cup

Five-time PGA Major winner Brooks Koepka was at Rich Harvest Farms golf course in Chicago this past weekend, playing in the LIV Golf event Friday, September 22, through Sunday, September 24.

The tournament’s Pro-Am — where pro golfers play famous amateurs — also took place on Thursday, September 21, as Koepka and other LIV golfers teamed up with a star-studded list of amateurs, including players from the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears. 

Koepka’s participation in the LIV event precedes the highly anticipated 2023 Ryder Cup match against Team Europe in Rome next week, making him the only LIV golfer chosen to play on the U.S. Ryder Cup team.

According to Golfweek, Koepka found himself seventh in point rankings — just shy of of an automatic qualification for the Ryder Cup —  but secured a selection due to his PGA Championship win and tying for second place at the Masters. U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson saw Koepka’s potential for the 12-man squad, despite having fewer point-gathering opportunities.

Koepka's journey since 2019 has been marked by various injuries, including a partially torn left patella tendon, re-tearing the same tendon and a dislocated and shattered right kneecap. Throughout his recovery and return to golf, Koepka appeared in Netflix's "Full Swing" docu-series, where he expressed doubt in his ability to compete with other pro golfers consistently. Despite these doubts, he emerged as a PGA Champion, according to the Ryder Cup. 

LIV Golf Chicago attracts thousands with entertainment and family-friendly activities

Chicago golf fans came out in droves to catch a closeup of Brooks Koepka at LIV Golf this weekend and enjoyed prime seating for the tournament’s popular “party hole.” What set the event apart from traditional PGA tournaments, like the recent BMW Championship, were the family-friendly activities: a petting zoo, several putt-putt obstacles and chipping games, golf simulators, and special access areas only for kids to get autographs from players.

On both Friday and Saturday nights, thousands of spectators came out for concerts at Rich Harvest Farms by Nelly and Tiesto. 

Other notable golfers and fan favorites who made an appearance included Phil Mickelson, Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell and Dustin Johnson. 

Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau won LIV Golf Chicago, shooting a final-round 8-under 63 at Rich Harvest Farms. With the win, the Crushers GC took home their second team title of the season. Anirban Lahiri of Crushers GC finished tied for second place. Other winning teammates included Charles Howell III, who shot a 67, and Paul Casey, who shot a 68.