KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia — Brooks KoepkaHe made his birdie putt on Sundays third playoff hole to win LIV Golf Invitational-Jeddah and his first win on the breakaway tour.
Koepka could not be separated from American friend and compatriot. Peter UihleinThey were matched on birdie by each other throughout the weekend, including the first two playoff holes.
Koepka won the final round after Uihlein’s third shot from sand fell into the water. Koepka, however, hit a textbook shot and made the putt to secure his first victory since February 20,21.
Koepka, a former player of the top ranking and four-time major champion, was emotional afterward when he admitted that he had feared about his career due to a serious injury.
The last two-years havent been enjoyable. Its been a long and difficult road, Koepka admitted. I didn’t know if my career would end for a quarter-second. Its nice to be back and be able win.
Koepka, 32 years old, led after the opening round of the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club King Abdullah Economic City. However, Uihlein took the lead on Saturday.
They were tied at the last hole with four other players, but both birdied to move into the playoff. Joaquin Niemann(65) Sergio Garcia(68) A shot behind.
Koepka was 1-under-69 while Uihlein was at par and both finished at 12 under overall.
The season standings saw Koepka second with a prize amount of $8 million, while Uihlein claimed the fourth place prize of $4 million. Dustin JohnsonHe has already won the LIV individual champion title with a prize of $18million.
It was the seventh and last LIV Golf Invitational for individual play and team play. For four-man teams, the final event of the inaugural season is in Miami in two weeks time.
LIV Golf is funded through the Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth funds. This tournament was the first one to be held in Saudi Arabia following events in London, Portland Oregon, Bedminster, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago and Bangkok.
LIV Golf offers 48-player fields, no cut over 54 holes, and $25 million in total prize money. Players who have been drawn to large prizes are banned from playing on the PGA or European tours.