Brooks Koepka up 3 shots at LIV Orlando ahead of Masters

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brooks Koepka was well-known for winning big in the majors. He hit his stride Saturday, posting a 6-under 65 to lead LIV Golf Orlando by three shots on Saturday before Koepka departs for the Masters.

Koepka played bogey free at Orange County National. Sebastian Munoz from Colombia, who followed his 62 by a even-par 71 was second.

Mito Pereira (66), Laurie Canter (66) and Patrick Reed (67), were four shots back.

Koepka will attempt to be the first multiple winner of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf since it began last June. He beat Peter Uihlein in a playoff in Jeddah last year. Koepka’s previous win was in February 2021 at Phoenix Open. He had suffered from a variety injuries.

Koepka stated, “Just got rid mental mistakes.”

He also considered his previous two LIV Golf Tournaments this year in Mexico, Tucson, which he called “dumb mistaken” at Mayakoba. “Then go to Tucson and I played tough holes really well and the easiest ones probably the most difficult in the field.”

In three years, Koepka won four majors — two U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships. Next week, the Masters begins at Augusta National.

He stated, “Every week I try to practice the week before a major,” he said. Just try to make better choices than normal. I just want to play disciplined golf. When I go to majors, I’m so disciplined. But I sometimes get a little too carefree in regular events firing at flags, missing the wrong side. Majors are different.

7 shots behind Cameron Smith (68), Dustin Johnson (71) and Dustin Johnson (71). LIV Golf has 18 players that will be attending the Masters next Wednesday.

Smash holds a 2-shot advantage over Torque in the team competition.