Exclusive: Graeme McDowell reveals how Brooks Koepka came to the rescue after he was left in the cold.
Speaking exclusively to GolfMagic ahead of LIV Golf’s fourth event of the 2024 season at Hong Kong Golf Club, McDowell opened up about his new captain and the lifeline he threw him ahead of the new season.
McDowell’s journey with Cleeks GC began in 2022 when captain Kaymer selected him alongside Richard Bland and Bernd Wiesberger in the draft.
However, McDowell admitted his first two seasons on LIV didn’t play out as anticipated with finishes of 34th and 42nd in the individual standings.
Eager to discuss his new team, Smash GC, which also comprises Talor Gooch and Jason Kokrak, the Northern Irishman opened up on how his switch came to light.
McDowell said;
“The Cleeks relationship had kind of run its course a little bit. It wasn’t really a good fit. I don’t think Martin saw a future with me on the team, which is disappointing.
“At the time, you know, I was worried, I was worried about my future; you know, my contract with LIV was up, and it was clear that Cleeks didn’t want me on the team. So you know Brooks really offered me a lifeline.”
Since his move to Smash GC, McDowell has found some early-season form and currently sits tied for 19th in the individual standings thanks to a fifth-place finish at LIV Golf Las Vegas, which also coincided with Smash GC winning the team event.
Smash GC also finished seventh at Mayakoba and third at Jeddah, which puts them second in the team standings.
With a new captain and a fresh perspective, McDowell is motivated to kick on in 2024 and eager to repay Koepka’s faith.
McDowell said:
“Obviously, he’s put a lot of trust in me, bringing me into this team this year, and it’s been nice to be able to play decently so far. I want to continue working hard for him, and you know that pushes me and motivates me.
“As a 44-year-old guy who’s been doing this for 22 years, the freshness and the different perspective that it brings is really helpful for me, and I really feel like it’s helping, it’s helping my game.”
McDowell was full of praise for Koepka and believes the five-time major champion is pleased with how the team has settled so quickly following a turbulent 2023 season that saw him heavily fall out with former teammate Matt Wolff.
“Yeah, I mean, you know, it was pretty public that Smash GC last year had some personnel issues, and there was definitely some tension within the camp. I really feel like you know Brooks is obviously very happy with the team camaraderie this season.
“When you’ve got a guy like that driving you from the front, asking kind of you know, obviously not verbally asking you to kind of give your best, but you know he expects everyone to give 100%.
“That pressure and that motivation is kind of what I need right now. It kind of feels like it narrows my focus. And you know, like I said, I’m enjoying being around him.”
Throughout the 2023 season, Koepka failed to hide his displeasure with Wolff, and the feud spilled over publicly several times.
Koepka’s brother and fellow Smash GC teammate Chase also endured a difficult season, resulting in him being relegated.
