T
The field at Colonial this week was already lacking some big names, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth. McIlroy chose to skip these two events after the PGA Championship and will tee off directly at the Memorial. Scheffler and Spieth played the Byron Nelson but will have to skip this one, another tournament close to home.
Brooks Koepka also chose to skip this event, according to Adam Schupak of Golfweek. The decision came abruptly after he finished his round on Sunday. However, it appears to be mainly for strategic reasons and not due to injury.
Koepka has teed off in the last three consecutive events and will take this week off before competing in the RBC Canadian Open and later the U.S. Open.
He recently made his return from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour via the Returning Member Program and has since said how much he enjoys playing the game. Before joining LIV in 2022, Koepka had a very successful career, earning more than $45 million.
In 11 events, he made the cut in eight and finished in the top 25 in six. He has earned $1.5 million in prize money this season. Koepka finished tied for 14th with a score of 18-under par at TPC Craig Ranch.
Skipping this event also means he will not tee off at Jack Nicklaus’ place next week. Scheffler, Spieth and McIlroy also chose to skip this event because they will tee off there again, but Koepka will effectively be on a two-week break, missing a signature event and its $20 million purse.
Koepka is unlikely to qualify for the Memorial Tournament through Aon Next 10, Aon Swing 5 or the world top 30. He is ranked 105th and has no victories in 2026. The field for the Charles Schwab Challenge is at 132 without a replacement.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post $45 Million Golfer Abruptly Withdraws from Charles Schwab Challenge appeared first on HEAVY.