He has won 5 majors, the last of which came just 2 years ago in 2023. He was also the third-best golfer in LIV Golf the same year. Brooks Koepka has definitely experienced life at the top of the mountain. But today, he played like he had never made the climb. Playing at the Maridoe Golf Club in the 2025 LIV Golf Dallas, Koepka has had one of the worst rounds of his career. By the 14th hole, the frustrated 35-year-old had withdrawn as he was sitting at +7. What did he do? But Koepka channeled his inner Rory McIlroy in the tee zone just before he left the field.

After a bad drive on the 9th hole, Brooks dug into the grass at the tee before turning around and having a swing at the tee box. The parts went flying all around and could have injured someone in the crowd. The entire incident was reported by NUCLR GOLF while confirming his withdrawal. Only moments later, Underdog Golf shared another update about Koepka’s status. They said Koepka could return on the weekend to contribute to his team, Smash GC’s score.

While it may be nearly impossible for the 5-time major winner to compete for the title, he might prioritize the needs of his team. The fact that his replacement, Luis Carrera, couldn’t improve on his score means that the Smash GC captain will have to be the bigger man and step onto the Maridoe Golf Club and bring his score down to par to give his squad the best shot. Although there is still no confirmation of the same from Koepka’s camp. So we’ll have to wait and see if it actually happens. Surprisingly, Brooks is not the only WD from the Dallas event.

Matthew Wolff also withdrew from the event, citing an injury, just before it started. This marks the second time Wolff has withdrawn. Just two weeks ago, he also exited mid-round at LIV Golf Virginia after suffering a muscle strain.

Brooks’s actions at Maridoe imitated those of Rory McIlroy at Oakmont. The Northern Irishman struck off the tee on the 17th at the US Open on Friday. He followed the ball and saw it heading towards the bunker. Frustrated with his effort, the 36-year-old took a swing at the tee box, smashing it to pieces.

However, one thing is clear: Brooks Koepka will definitely need to do a lot of damage control, and not just in Dallas. His actions in the 9th LIV Golf tournament of the season can have a severe effect on his goals for later this year.

Brooks Koepka under the spotlight

Only a few weeks ago, Brooks Koepka was one of the few golfers who were invited to Keegan Bradley’s Team U.S. Ryder Cup dinner. It was a get-together to bond with each other and narrow down the possible team going to Bethpage. There might be new additions to the possible squad since then, after J.J. Spaun’s win at Oakmont. However, looking at how Koepka couldn’t control his emotions in Dallas might ring some alarm bells in Bradley’s head.

As things stand today, Koepka is sitting at the 65th spot on the Ryder Cup leaderboard for Team U.S. His chances of qualifying on merit are next to none. And if he doesn’t make the team, then this will be his first miss after 4 consecutive starts. The terrible performance and little burst of anger at Maridoe Golf Club are not a good impression of Brooks Koepka. And a part of the reason behind his return to the field for the team might be because he wants to remain in Keegan Bradley’s good books. But at this point, has he already done too much damage?