Brooks Koepka, Donald Trump, and the LIV Golf Controversy: A Clash of Legends or a Power Play?

When Brooks Koepka, five-time major champion, teed off at a LIV Golf event at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the golf world couldn’t help but ask: Is this just another day on the course, or are we witnessing the beginning of a controversial alliance between one of the sport’s most dominant players and one of its most polarizing figures?

The moment came in October 2022, when Koepka joined former President Donald Trump and fellow LIV golfers like Sergio García for a Pro-Am event. As Trump cracked jokes on the green and Koepka made his usual sharp remarks about the game, it seemed like just another celebrity outing. But underneath the surface, the undercurrent of tension between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf was palpable.

Fast forward to 2025, and the relationship has grown even more interesting. Koepka, now fully embedded in the LIV Golf world, competed at a LIV event at Trump’s Doral resort in Miami, further solidifying his connection to Trump and the controversial golf series. Trump, ever the media magnet, was not shy about his involvement. During the event, he discussed his desire to see a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV, highlighting Koepka as one of the stars of the series.

But the questions linger. Koepka’s participation in LIV Golf, a tour that has been accused of disrupting the traditional golf structure and fueled by Saudi Arabian investment, places him in direct conflict with the PGA’s established legacy. While many view his decision as a power move, aligning with Trump’s controversial politics and business ventures, others see it as a strategic financial opportunity that could reshape the landscape of professional golf.

The clash of these two titans—Koepka’s competitive edge and Trump’s larger-than-life persona—has created a stir within the sport, but it’s not without its risks. Trump’s involvement in LIV Golf, while undeniably impactful, has alienated some fans and players who still support the PGA Tour. Could Koepka, by continuing to play at Trump’s courses, be marking the end of an era for traditional golf?

With every event at Trump-owned courses, Koepka’s legacy becomes more intertwined with that of the former president. The question now is whether this connection will elevate his career or forever tie him to a controversial movement that’s dividing the golf world. As LIV Golf continues to gain momentum, Koepka, Trump, and the future of golf are locked in a battle that may just define the sport for generations to come.