Nine-time PGA Tour winner Brooks Keopka has damaged his silence following the news of the PGA Tour's shock merger with LIV Golf. The merger places an finish to years of rivlary and the continuing litigation battle.

After the news broke a number of golfers from either side had been fast to voice their opinions, with former World No.1 Koepka being the most recent to talk out. The American made the swap to affix Saudi-backed LIV Golf in 2022, becoming a member of such high-profile golfers as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garciaand and Bryson DeChambeau.

Ahead of the primary main event for the reason that news broke, all eyes have been on the US Open on the Los Angeles Golf Club with execs from either side of the divide participating. One notable match-up is about to be essentially the most awkward encounter Koepka pairs up with one in all LIV Golf's most outspoken critics, Rory McIlroy.

Speaking forward of the event, Koepka admitted he'll thrive within the chaos. He stated: “Like I’ve said, the more chaotic things get the easier it gets for me.

“Everything starts to slow down and I am able to focus on whatever I need to focus on while everybody else is dealing with distractions, worried about other things. I think there’s a few reasons (I peak at majors), but I think it’s definitely one of them. I enjoy the chaos.”

The 33-year-old shall be trying so as to add to his intensive record of achievements on the US Open. His most up-to-date win on the well-known event got here again in 2018 which was then adopted by a PGA win at Bethpage Black the next 12 months.

McIlroy and Koepka shall be joined by 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama who could should act as peace-maker. The trio will play 36 holes collectively throughout two days on the Los Angeles Country Club.

The Northern Irishman has by no means been one to draw back from criticising LIV Golf since its starting. In a latest interview after discovering out concerning the merger, McIlroy stated: "There nonetheless must be actions. The individuals who left the PGA Tour... we won't simply allow them to again in. It's exhausting to not really feel like I used to be a sacrificial lamb."

In response to how he feels concerning the Saudi affect in golf, he admitted: "I've come to terms with it.' 'I've resigned myself to the fact that this is what's going to happen."