Koepka’s LIV Golf outburst shocks fans before illness-forced withdrawal

A dramatic and unsettling moment unfolded at the LIV Golf Dallas event when five-time major champion Brooks Koepka lost his temper after a poor drive and struck a tee box marker into the crowd, before later withdrawing from the tournament citing illness.

The incident occurred at the Maridoe Golf Club on the ninth hole. Koepka, clearly frustrated after an errant tee shot, slammed his club into the ground and hit the tee marker positioned to the left of the tee box. The marker flew towards a group of spectators, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The 35-year-old American was six-over par when he pulled out after completing just eight holes. Tournament officials confirmed that Koepka had been feeling under the weather throughout the week and was replaced by Mexican reserve Luis Carrera, whose remaining holes would count towards team Smash GC’s cumulative score.

LIV Golf features a unique format where players compete both individually and as part of four-man teams, with shotgun starts ensuring all players begin at the same time from different holes.

Koepka’s performance slump has been a topic of conversation in recent weeks. After missing the cut at both the Masters and the PGA Championship earlier this year, he managed only a tie for 12th at the U.S. Open. Following the first round at Pinehurst, Koepka confessed:

“From the first weekend in April until about last week, you didn’t want to be around me. It drove me nuts. It ate at me. I haven’t been happy. It’s been very irritating.”

Though Koepka still holds five LIV Golf titles and remains a key figure on the tour, this incident further underscores his recent struggles both on and off the course. His last major victory came in 2023 at the PGA Championship, but pressure and form appear to be taking their toll in 2025.