Chase Koepka is stepping back onto the golf stage after a grueling 15 months away from the sport, following his controversial exit from LIV Golf in October 2023. Known largely as the younger brother of four-time major winner Brooks Koepka, Chase’s return comes with a fresh perspective, hard-won lessons, and a story of resilience that’s anything but ordinary.
Dropped from LIV and sidelined by injury
In 2023, Chase was one of several players cut from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour, a move that left him searching for his next opportunity. Shortly after, an injury derailed his plans, leaving him unable to compete or even practice effectively. The road back was steep—physically and mentally.
“I tried hitting balls to get ready for the promotions event, and I couldn’t make a full swing,” Chase admitted in an interview with Mirror. For a golfer, losing the ability to execute a basic swing is devastating, and for Chase, it was like starting from scratch. “I had to learn how to pick things up again and learn how to squeeze my hand again.”
A fresh start in the Philippines
Now healthy, Chase is set to compete in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open on the Asian Tour. The event marks his first significant tournament since leaving LIV Golf, and it’s a chance for the 30-year-old to reestablish himself in the competitive world of professional golf.
While the Philippine Open isn’t on the same global stage as LIV or the PGA Tour, it represents an essential step forward for Chase. It’s an opportunity to rebuild his confidence, sharpen his skills, and prove that he’s more than just “Brooks Koepka’s brother.”
Brooks Koepka’s advice: “Don’t rush back”
Much of Chase’s comeback is credited to his older brother Brooks, who knows a thing or two about battling through injuries and adversity. Despite his polarizing presence in the golf world, Brooks played the role of supportive mentor, offering Chase advice that proved invaluable.
“Brooks was adamant that I should not rush back,” Chase said. “He kept saying, ‘You have the time, so use it to your advantage. Get healthy and find your passion for the game again.’”
Brooks’ own struggles with injuries have shaped his perspective, and his emphasis on patience and rediscovery struck a chord with Chase. The younger Koepka took his time to recover and rediscover his love for the game—steps he credits with making his return possible.
The uphill climb to redemption
For Chase Koepka, this comeback is more than a return to the golf course; it’s a shot at redemption. Once overshadowed by his famous brother, Chase now has the chance to carve out his own narrative—a story of perseverance and passion.
While the challenges are far from over, Chase’s journey embodies the spirit of golf itself: resilience, precision, and the determination to keep going no matter the odds. The Philippine Open is just the beginning, but for Chase Koepka, it’s a fresh start that could reignite his career.
