Brooks Koepka Triumphs in LIV Jeddah Play-Off, Talor Gooch Seals £14.8 Million Season Championship.
In a thrilling showdown at the Royal Greens course in Saudi Arabia, Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion at the age of 33, emerged victorious in the LIV Jeddah event. Koepka clinched the title after a play-off against fellow American Talor Gooch, who, despite finishing as the runner-up in this particular event, secured a season-long prize of £14.8 million.
Koepka's performance saw him card a solid two-under 68, concluding the three rounds with a total of 14 under par. His lead was challenged by Gooch, who delivered a remarkable 62, bringing the match to a play-off. However, Koepka ultimately prevailed with a birdie on the second extra hole, securing a winner's purse of £3.3 million.
This triumph marked a significant achievement for Koepka, who had been placed third in the season's overall standings. He not only celebrated the victory in this prestigious tournament but also received an additional £3.3 million for his standing in the season-long rankings, highlighting the incredible financial rewards of LIV Golf.
Talor Gooch, aged 31, entered the competition with the opportunity to secure his fourth tournament victory of the season, following consecutive wins in Adelaide and Singapore in April and a triumph at the Andalusia event at Valderrama in July. Although he levelled with Koepka, leading to the dramatic play-off, Gooch had already secured his multi-million-dollar season championship.
Australia's Cameron Smith, the 30-year-old champion of the 2022 Open, clinched the second position in the season-long rankings.
The LIV Golf season will culminate with the Team Championship scheduled to take place in Miami from October 20 to 22 which promises to be another thrilling event.
