Brooks Koepka says time for physical recovery, changed opinion led to LIV Golf move

NORTH PLAINS, Ore. — Four-time major champion Brooks Koepka said Tuesday that he didn't agree to join the LIV Golf Invitational Series until after playing in the U.S. Open two weeks ago.

Koepka, speaking at a news conference before the first LIV Golf tournament in the United States, which starts Thursday at Pumpkin Ridge outside Portland, Oregon, said he wanted more time to physically recover by playing in fewer events.

Koepka had previously pledged his loyalty to the PGA Tour. He said in February that «somebody will sell out and go for it,» when asked about the Saudi Arabian-financed LIV Golf circuit. Earlier this month, Koepka criticized reporters for asking him questions about LIV Golf, accusing them of casting a «black cloud» over the U.S. Open.

«Just my opinion, man,» Koepka said Tuesday, when asked what caused him to change his mind. «My opinion changed. That was it. You guys will never believe me, but we didn't have the conversation till everything was done at the U.S. Open and figured it out and just said I was going to go one way or another. Here I am.»

Koepka, 32, has been bothered by knee, hip and wrist injuries the past several months. The former world No. 1 golfer is now 19th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

«What I've had to go through the last two years on my knees, the pain, the rehab, all this stuff, you realize, you know, I need a little bit more time off,» Koepka said. «I'll be the first one to say it: It's not been an easy last couple of years, and I think having a little more breaks, a little more time at home to make sure I'm 100% before I go play in an event and don't feel like I'm forced to play right away [is good].»

Koepka didn't have much to say about Rory McIlroy's criticism of him and